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You're a softy, Mr. Grinch.

The classic character showed his gentler and giving nature, Thursday, during a visit to Clearwater Market. His mission: select items to donate to the Antelope County Food Pantry.

Funds to pay for the cart, filled with kitchen staples, came from a holiday photo shoot, Dec. 18, at Sly's Family Bar & Grill, in Neligh.

Owners Teresa and Brian Legate offered a photo op for with the Grinch. The price: $5 or a donation of food items for the local food pantry.

Teresa said a lot of places offer photos with Santa.

"At Sly's, we strive to be different. I love putting smiles on people's faces," she said.

A couple years ago, she saw a Grinch costume for sale.

"I thought, 'Hey, the Grinch could be something different.'"

So, she purchased the costume and family members have taken turns breathing life into the Dr. Seuss character.

The restauranteers teamed with local photographer, Mike Tabbert, of Ewing.

"He loved the idea," Legate said.

As former youth group leaders, the Legates would fill food baskets for 10 or more families each year. Teresa said she thought the county's food bank would be a great place to use funds raised from the Grinch photos.

She contacted Bev Alderson, who manages the food pantry, about donations.

Back in December, Tabbert spent several hours snapping photos of young and old - even an adorable puppy - with the grinch.

Tabbert said, "I never know who has more fun, the parents, the kids or the Grinch."

Approximately 15 mini-sessions took place Dec. 18.

Tabbert said he appreciates the opportunity to work with "great people for a great cause."

LuAnn Schindler | SAM

Check it out • Sandy Moser, a Clearwater Market employee, scans items, selected by the Grinch, Jan. 20, for the Antelope County Food Pantry.

"Teresa and Brian give so much back to the community," he said.

In addition to donations received from photographs, Sly's contributes to the cause.

The Grinch planned to be in the Clearwater-area, Jan. 20, so a shopping trip was scheduled.

"We decided the Clearwater Market is in Antelope County so let's spread the love and shop there," Teresa said.

The Grinch strolled up and down each aisle, adding boxed dinners, pasta, kitchen staples, condiments, breakfast items and a few sweet treats to the cart. "He had a ton of fun shopping," Teresa said.

To view Tabbert's photos with the Grinch, visit https://fallery.michaeltabbert.com/grinch/