Rural Carrier Tara Hanson was delivering a package to a residence in Big Lake, MN, on a January day when she encountered a boy outside in subzero temperatures.
Hanson expressed concern for the lad, who was inadequately dressed for the weather, and he told her he had locked himself out while home alone.
The Postal Service employee sheltered the boy in her vehicle, tried unsuccessfully to contact his mother by phone and located a neighbor who could watch over him until the woman could be reached.
“As cold as it was, Tara’s actions could very well have saved this child from severe frostbite or worse,” said Big Lake Postmaster Kelly Johnson.