'Toys for Tats' brings new ink, holiday cheer

All of the toys donated at this event will benefit Macon County Toys for Tots

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Bring a toy, get a tat.

Each year, Oakwood Tattoo hosts a Toys for Tats promotion where customers can bring in a toy worth at least $35 and get a tattoo.

Being able to host an event like this is important to the artists.

“It feels really good to be a part of something that’s so established in the community. We love that everyone can rely on us to do what we can to help,” said the manager of Oakwood Tattoo, Crimson Ball.

While some individuals have been waiting in line since the early morning, they are doing anything they can to support the cause.

“I just love how people can give back. Like, there's so many people in here working, giving their time, coming from out of town, out of state. It’s really beautiful. They can get people together to help others, especially little kids in the, you know, that need the Christmas presents,” said local tattoo artist, Lee Van Natta.

It’s also a great event to show Decatur truly cares about the kids.

“It’s just really nice to see some positivity coming out of the community here. Decatur is not, especially, it's not exactly viewed as the best place from people outside of here, people inside of here don't consider it the best place, but there's still a lot of good here," said barber Joseph Couch.

All of the toys collected at the event will go towards WAND's Spirit of Giving campaign that takes place on Friday, Dec. 6. Spirit of Giving benefits Macon County Toys for Tots.