No matter their age, The Mid-Mo Grinch is ready to put smiles on everyone’s face during the holiday season, with a philosophy of  “We want to give everyone a laugh, a little bit of positivity can really go a long way.”

1. What made you pick the Grinch? 

There are already so many Santas in the world, kids see them all the time. I wanted to be something people don’t see. The Grinch is pretty much the poster child of what we are trying to do. He gave without reason and that is the whole reason for the Christmas spirit. You give and expect nothing back, the Grinch represents the meaning we are trying to show. 

2. How many years have you been going out as the Mid-Mo Grinch?

We’ve been doing this for three years. And I plan to keep going as long as I can fit in the suit.

3. How did this get started? 

Technically with a fundraiser we started with Naven Forrest. When he got hurt in a four wheeler accident he loved getting soft blankets while he was in the hospital and wanted to share them with others. So we started a blanket drive in his name and The Grinch delivered the blankets for Naven, while he was in the hospital, to NICUs, the Ronald Mcdonald House and places like that. COVID-19 has changed the ways things are being done however we are calling it “The Grinch Gives Back” There is enough negativity going on in the world that if I can do something to make people smile I’m going to. This year has been bigger than we ever expected. 

4. What has been your most memorable moment as The Grinch?

Going to the NICU. When our son was born he had some struggles and we spent a lot of time, including the holidays, in the NICU. So we know how the parents are feeling and we were glad to put smiles on their faces. But honestly, every encounter we’ve been in has been on the same level of special. They’ve just all been very different.

5. What do your kids think about having the Grinch as their dad? 

They love it. My daughter even wanted to be Cindy-Lou Who. They both help us pass out toys and candy. 

6. Do you schedule special events or just show up and surprise people?

I will randomly show up at Walmart with a pocket full of toys or candy and pass it to children we see but otherwise we’ve been invited to events, nursing homes and schools. 

7.  What towns have you visited so far? 

Mexico, Fulton, Moberly, Centralia, Columbia, Armstrong - so far. 

8. How do you get the gifts you give out?

Most of our gifts and candy that we have given out has been bought out of pocket. We don’t charge for any appearances and when people charge to have pictures taken it worries me as to where those funds are going. Our monetary or toy donations go towards candy canes or toys to give out when we visit kids. When we go anywhere we give something, we want to give everyone a small Christmas smile. Anything we have left over after Christmas we will try to find anyone who missed out throughout Christmas and give them that. Whether it's a meal or a toy, everyone deserves smiles. 

9. Which Grinch movie is your favorite?

Jim Carey was my favorite Grinch - he did the best job. 

10. Is the Grinch grumpy all year - or just during Christmas season? 

Just when the Whos in Whoville start their singing.