After ‘True-Life Grinch’ Steals Indiana Family’s Food And Presents, Police Save Christmas With Donations

Police In Indiana One family saved Christmas after their holiday cheer was destroyed by a “true-life Grinch.”

South Bend Police Department responded on Christmas Eve to a burglary report. A burglar had taken food from the refrigerator and all the family’s Christmas presents, leaving nothing for the children to open on Christmas. The police responded and brought back armfuls of food, gifts, and other items to replace what the thief stole.

The SBPD posted a video of the officers to the Department’s Facebook page. “Earlier today, day shift officers responded to a Breaking & Entering complaint at a home in South Bend,” The Department wrote. “After talking to the homeowner, officers learned that Christmas gifts had been taken, leaving the children with nothing for the holidays. Fortunately, officers were able to get in touch with the organizers of the South Bend FOP Lodge #36 Santa’s Elficers program, who advised they had some leftover gifts to share. Officers then came back to the residence with several boxes of Christmas presents and food for the family. This is what serving our community is all about.”

The officers invite children to enter the room and place toys under a small Christmas tree. Two children are excited when they see the toys and jump up and down, laughing. A third child’s mother holds her baby and enters the room, gasping when she sees the toys. “Oh my goodness,” The mother exclaims and tells her children to tell the officers “thank you,” Before thanking them, the children smiled and thanked the officers. The children beam with delight and smile as they present their new gifts to officers.

Interview with local news station WNDU, the officers compared the thief to a real-life version of Dr. Seuss’s “The Grinch,” They also explained the reasons for replacing stolen items. “They found out that the house had been burglarized, and in the process, the individual had taken all the gifts and even some food out of their refrigerator,” Brian Meador, a Patrolman, spoke to the outlet. “So, they really left this family with nothing much at all.”

“True-life Grinch,” Meador added. “Yep, cleaned them out. Not even the Who-hash or the Roast Beast (was left). It was all taken.”

Meador works together with the “Santa’s Elficers” food and toy drive. They had already distributed toys to over 400 families and food to many more. He was contacted by the officers responding to the crime scene. “They asked if we had anything extra, and we keep items here at the station for just an instance like this,” He said.

“And when you see the kids, this morning I was able to go out and deliver the food and the gifts, and to see those little girl’s faces when they saw the presents under the tree and started playing with them, that’s why we do what we do,” Meador said. “That’s the positive part, and that’s what keeps us going as officers. And so, I hope it’s a memory for them that’ll last a lifetime. Maybe someday, they’ll be in a position to give back.”

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases