Team Manning Cares.
That's the hashtag Mayor Julia Nelson used to accompany a photo posted to her Facebook page this morning of Police Chief Blair Shaffer with two schoolchildren enjoying some hot chocolate on a cold morning.
"Special thanks to Team Manning (City of Manning Police Department) for delivering hot chocolate to children at a few local bus stops," Nelson wrote. "This is what I call going the extra mile to assist in times of special situations. Great job & thanks for your efforts. #teammanningcares"
Temperatures this morning dipped into the teens as north winds reached 13 to 15 mph, making for cold enough weather to delay school openings and bus routes.
Chief Shaffer said the impetus for the hot chocolate was a call from a concerned citizen a few days ago who was worried about a little girl who seemed to be by herself at a bus stop.
And then weather forecasters called for frigid temps across the region as an Arctic air mass promised to bring blustery and biting conditions.
"It started out just as one officer going to a bus stop to ask if any kids wanted to sit in a patrol car to stay warm," Shaffer said. "And Cpl. Tina Mack suggested it would be nice to pass out hot chocolate."
The hour delay for buses and weather forecast probably resulted in most students getting rides, but Shaffer said they went to Walmart nonetheless to buy supplies.
"And they all loved the hot chocolate. And we gave it out to some parents and they were happy to have something warm this morning," he said. "We had a good time doing it. It was a fun thing to do first thing this morning."
About three gallons of hot chocolate helped warm up several students and parents, and then officers stopped by a few businesses to offer a piping hot beverage, gratis.
"It's supposed to be cold again tomorrow," Shaffer said, "and we told all the kids we'll be back so they can sit in our patrol cars to stay warm."
Any citizens or businesses that wish to donate hot chocolate or cups can drop off supplies at The Manning Police Department, Shaffer said, or call (803) 435-8859 for more information.
