OWENDALE, Mich. (AP) — A Grinch who stole Christmas lights from a small Michigan town has repented decades later by sending $50.

The money and apology arrived in June in Owendale, near the tip of Michigan’s Thumb. The anonymous writer was remorseful over an incident that occurred while drinking in the 1960s.

The writer says the theft of lights “bothers me more and more. Please forgive me.”

Village Treasurer Manuel Thies believes the lights probably were on a large Christmas tree publicly displayed near a tavern. The money is going into Owendale’s general fund but the letter, which was postmarked in Grand Rapids, will be framed and displayed.

Thies tells the Huron Daily Tribune that it will be a reminder that it’s never too late to do the right thing.