Detroit Tattoo Shop’s ‘Toys for Tats’ to Brighten Christmas For Kids

Help kids celebrate Christmas, and you can get a free tattoo at Motown Tattoo Company in Detroit. Next week, during the sixth annual Toys for Tatts drive at their Gratiot location from noon to 9 p.m. on Dec. 22, you can receive a complimentary tattoo or piercing by bringing a toy with a receipt to the shop. The value of the tattoo or piercing will match that of the donated toy. This year, there's an exciting addition. For toy donations valued at $25, they will also offer piercings.

All tips given to artists during the event will contribute to the toy drive. If you're not interested in getting a tattoo, you can still contribute by dropping off gifts. Gift donations can be made at any time between 12-8 pm.

Tee Bullis, the owner, expressed a personal connection to the campaign, stating, "I grew up with nothing, so I know what it is like. Every donation that we got as kids helped us out so I'm just trying to give back to the community."

To spread holiday cheer, the collected toys will be hand-delivered by the staff to Carlton Elementary on Detroit’s east side, benefiting children and families in need. Toy donations for all ages are welcome, including larger items such as bikes, scooters, skates, and skateboards.

Last year's drive aided 50 families, and this season, Motown Tattoo Company aims to help even more. The community has shown overwhelming support, with a Facebook video gaining over a thousand views and hundreds of shares since its announcement last month.

The shop has received positive feedback from the community, with one person commenting, "I'm definitely coming down!" and another praising the shop for their remarkable work.

It's worth noting that bringing a toy guarantees an on-the-spot tattoo. If they reach full capacity on the day of the event, appointments will be scheduled. Motown Tattoo Company is located at 15146 Gratiot Ave.