Anthem Tattoo Co. made the holiday season brighter for 10 local families through its annual “Toys for Tats” campaign, which exchanged toy donations for gift cards redeemable for tattoos and piercings at the Anthem shop. Running from mid-November to just days before Christmas, the initiative collected more than 20 bags of donated toys and raised $1,100 in cash, helping to provide holiday gifts to families in need.
Clark MacLeod, the owner of Anthem Tattoo Co., reflected on the success of the campaign, recalling that it had a slow start but eventually saw a massive influx of donations. “It was a slow start, to say the least, and then all of a sudden, we had this gigantic influx of donations,” MacLeod said.
While previous years had seen the shop donate toys to various organizations, MacLeod chose a more direct approach for this year’s initiative. “I thought to myself, instead of donating all these toys to, you know, the Ronald McDonald House or somewhere else, maybe we can make an impact locally. So, I reached out and asked as politely as I could if anyone knew of families in need this year because of the economy,” he explained. His decision was met with overwhelming support, with many people reaching out to offer names of families in need.
In addition to community suggestions, MacLeod received messages from people who were struggling themselves, some sharing how they could only afford food for their families. “People would say, ‘I feel so bad that the only thing I can do is afford food,’ and I’m like, ‘Don’t worry, we got you, Uncle Clarkie’s coming,'” MacLeod joked, showing his commitment to spreading joy this holiday season.
MacLeod, his daughter, and the Anthem Tattoo team personally packed and delivered two bags of toys for each of the 10 selected families, ensuring that the toys matched the needs and interests of the children. “It was people right beside us, people right down the street from where I live,” MacLeod noted, emphasizing how close to home the need was in his community.
Once the 20 bags of toys were delivered to the local families, the remaining donations were taken to the Ronald McDonald House, continuing the spirit of giving.
The success of the “Toys for Tats” campaign exemplifies how local businesses can make a significant impact on their communities, spreading holiday cheer to those who need it most. Thanks to the generosity of Anthem Tattoo Co.’s customers and staff, many families experienced a brighter Christmas, proving that even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of goodwill.
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