FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Fresno-based Downtown Tattoos is hosting a toy drive where every person who donates a toy can get a free three-inch by three-inch tattoo. The owner, Thomas Aguilera Jr., says this is not the first time his shop has offered a "Toys for Tatts" event, but this year's event will be a bit different.
"This year we're going to be partnering with ZekeStrongFitness [Michael Rodriguez] and his toy drive for Toy of Hope," Aguilera said. "They're giving to pediatric cancer patients out of Valley Children's."
Aguilera says he and Rodriguez share a personal connection to this year's toy drive.
"My daughter was born at 23 weeks, spent her first seven months in NICU [neonatal intensive care unit]," Aguilera said. "His son was a pediatric cancer patient, so it's something we hold dear to us."
Aguilera says he understands how difficult it can be to have a family member in the hospital. With a toy for Christmas, he hopes he can help give families and kids a sense of normalcy during the holidays.
"These kids are in a hard place," Aguilera said. "[A toy] gives them that, little bit of just normal life. You know? I get to be with my parents, I get to open a toy, it's from Santa, things like that to give them some hope and bring happiness in their situation."
Aguilera says each toy donated will go to a child battling cancer this Christmas.
"We do ask that it be $15 and above," Aguilera said. "We also want to cover teenagers, that is a little bit more difficult."
In a statement, staff at Valley Children's Hospital say they are incredibly blessed to have the unwavering support of the community.
"The toys they collect for toy donations not only bring joy to our pediatric cancer patients but also highlight the spirit of giving that defines this season. It's acts of kindness like this that make a profound difference in the lives of our children and their families, especially during the holidays."
The generosity shown by Downtown Tattoo, ZekeStrongFitness and families like theirs is truly heartwarming.
Aguilera says the gifts should be brand new and unopened. The free tattoos given in return will not be done on the day of the donation, but those donating will instead receive a voucher for a free three-inch by three-inch tattoo - or $50 off a tattoo that's $100 or more.
"That way we can get to as many people as we can," Aguilera said. "I think it'll be a little more relaxing, get some people, get some more toys, and give people more freedom with their tattoos."
More information on the coat drive can be found on the shop's social media. The toy drive will be at the Downtown Tattoos shop at 1920 Fresno St. on Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.