'Meltdown hotline': Tillamook offers free ice cream in response to viral 911 call

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon’s top dairy brand is serving as a first responder for those facing a different kind of emergency: stolen ice cream.

On Tuesday, Tillamook launched its “meltdown hotline” for customers wanting their ice cream replaced after having it nabbed by others in their household.

The award-winning company said its new hotline is inspired by a trending story out of Wisconsin. Earlier this month, CBS News reported that a 4-year-old boy called 911 in an attempt to send his “bad” mother to jail — for eating his ice cream.

Responding officers confirmed the boy was, in fact, only reporting his mother over the stolen sweet treat. They returned to the family’s residence with fresh ice cream the following day.

The viral incident is one “we all know too well,” according to Tillamook. The company is offering free tubs of ice cream to the first 1,000 people to call (833) MLT-DOWN by Apr. 18.

The discount is only available for one customer per household.

“If you cannot leave a voicemail, it means all coupons have been given away,” Tillamook announced. “The coupon can only be used once and only for one product that costs $6 or less.”

Customers can redeem the coupon at most grocers that sell Tillamook products, not including Costco or Target.