(La Porte, IN) - Unlike his famous alter ego, a “Good Grinch” is popping in by surprise throughout La Porte County to spread holiday cheer during what’s been a trying year.

           

Jessie Lytle was having her hair done Friday at Fast Eddie’s in La Porte when the green hairy creature wearing a Santa Claus coat and hat walked in.  This Grinch was not there to steal Christmas as his scowl faced likeliness sets out to do.

 

“Good Grinch” pretended he was brushing the woman’s hair as stylist, Tondriana Bragg, took a step back with her scissors to take delight in the moment.  “I love it.  I love it because we really need some cheering up with everything going on,” Lytle said.  “He’s so much cuter in person,” Bragg said.

 

Good Grinch then made his way to Felicia Batton, who was working the front desk while holding her near two-year old daughter, Mia.  Mia nearly started crying then grinned as she and Good Grinch high fived each other.  "It was awesome.  It was definitely some good holiday spirit,” Batton said.

 

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, sensing more spirits need lifting this year, brought in the Good Grinch for the first time.  “We’re trying to bring some holiday cheer to everybody and bring smiles to faces so everybody has a happy holiday coming up,” said Sgt. Scott Boswell.  Another message during his visits is for people to be safe during the season. 

 

Boswell said schools and medical facilities have been among the other destinations for Good Grinch, who also showed up during a shop local event at the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce.  He also waves at passing motorists at various roadsides such as Lincolnway and J Street in La Porte on Friday.

 

Good Grinch rides in a police vehicle to where he wants to go and, occasionally, waves his arms with his head out the passenger window at the people he’s passing.  “With the pandemic and everybody being locked down, we want to be out.  Get people in a good mood,” Boswell said.