TRI-CITIES, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Grinch is back in action, spreading joy throughout the region for the 12th consecutive year.

Jason Mullins, who works as a nuclear pharmacist, steps into the role of ‘The Grinch’ annually to infuse the area with holiday spirit.

Every year, Mullins makes surprise visits to schools, hospitals, and local events, delighting children with toys and spreading cheer.

In an interview with News Channel 11, Mullins shared that the inspiration struck during his pharmacy school days and has since evolved into a beloved yearly tradition. This past Sunday, he made an appearance at Founder’s Park in Johnson City, where he handed out toys to eager children and posed for photos with families.

“Everyone needs a touch of that Christmas magic,” Mullins remarked. “Seeing the smiles and reactions from people as I drive around is incredibly rewarding, and that’s why I continue to do it.”

In addition to the costume, Mullins also drives a 1947 Studebaker which is customized in a depiction of the Grinch’s car in the movie, ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas.’

“I’ve always thought I needed something a little extra, and the driving around part, people seem to love it in traffic,” Mullins said. “I wanted something that looked like it could have come from Whoville, and so, I found this car and just been customizing it ever since.”

Mullins posts his Grinch outing dates to social media where local people in the area visit to meet the Grinch in person.

Mindy Malone saw a post and brought her family to see the Grinch in Founders Park Sunday morning to surprise her grandchildren.

“We are a big Grinch family,” Malone said. “We’re starting off the week with the Grinch and then we’ll go see Santa and things that we can put in her [Malone’s granddaughter] book that she’ll remember.”

Mullins said he hopes by giving out toys to children, it teaches them about giving.

“If we teach them about giving early, even if it’s something simple, if one kid grows up and goes, ‘I want to do something for somebody just because,’ everything I’ve put into a season is good,” Mullins said.

Cheyenne French told News Channel 11 she also brought her family out to Founders Park Sunday to visit the Grinch.

“I actually seen it on Facebook last night, so we surprised them [kids] this morning,” French said. “Just seeing him [Grinch] out with the kids; some kids don’t get to experience this otherwise so it’s a nice thing.”

Mullins told News Channel 11 he plans for his next Grinch outing to be on Christmas Day.