SAN ANTONIO - The holidays can be the time of year when we see generosity and kindness come to light. One San Antonio business is using body art to give back to the community.
- Platinum Tattoos and Body Piercings hosting toy drive
- Bring in a $20 toy, get a $60 tattoo for free
- Big giveaway slated for December 21
People get tattoo for all kinds of reasons. We stopped in as Dalia Nunez was getting her second one in two weeks. She's always wanted them, and these go beyond just something for her.
"It's a good cause, plus it helps out the kids," she said.
She's talking about a special toy drive at Platinum Tattoos and Body Piercings called Toy4Tats. It was started up five years ago by owner Noah Yuchnitz.
"Bring in a $20 toy, get a $60 tattoo for free. You just have to pay a $10 set-up fee. If the tattoo cost more than $100, you get $80 off towards that tattoo," Yuchnitz said.
All across the shop customers are cashing in. It started as a weekend event, but now it's two months. It all leads up to the December 21 major giveaway and a free family fun event. The event will last all day and will have a lot of attractions such as a petting zoo, face painting, and activities for kids.
"I think it's a shame just because of financial reasons that a kid can't have a toy. I know when I was a little boy, my parents couldn't afford to get any gifts but then my dad became successful," said Yuchnitz.
Yuchnitz has helped build Toy4Tats into an official nonprofit. The shop helps kids throughout the whole year with school supplies and other fundraising efforts.
"Annually we help about 2,800 kids," Yuchnitz said.
And as for the toys, nothing goes to waste or is left behind.
"Whatever toys we don't pass out, we go to Mexico on January 6 and we pass out roughly around 800 to 1,200 toys down there as well," Yuchnitz said.
If you want to help out with the toy drive, but you're not ready to get the tattoo, you can still donate a toy. You'll receive a voucher and it will be good for up to a year.
