11/03/2015
So it's a little later than usually but it's time for Toys for Tats again. Since 2000 I have been blessed and pleased to be able to help under privileged children every year at Christmas ( in celebration of the birth of Christ ). the way the program works is that when you bring a toy valued at $10 or more we will give you a discount on the tattoo or piercing that you are getting. Those toys are then taken to children in our local area that may not be getting anything for Christmas. I match the amount of toys that are brought in and put them with the ones that are brought by you, our awesome and generous customers. In this way it doesn't put a huge burden on any one person but together we can do a lot. Two years ago there was a total of 51 children who were given a very good Christmas do to our combined efforts. Last year we only had 32. The way the children are chosen is by referral from a figure like a preacher, police officer, social worker, or family resource worker or teacher who can verify that the need is legitimate. The reason why we do this is because we have very limited resources and in the past we have had people refer family or friends and some of our resources have ended up being given to those who don't really have much need and only wanted to supplement what they were already blessed to have. i want to stress that this is for people who have nothing and need help. It is not a program to get extra presents for a child who already has presents. I would love to be able to have an unlimited budget but the simple truth is that in this day and time not many people participate in things like this and many people do good just to get things for their own family. The biggest joy Kathy and I get from this is being able to personally take these things and share the love of Christ with others. We always invite customers to go with us if they would like to and I've gotten to see some big tough bikers and coal miners with wet eyes and big huge smiles in the past. That is a real treat. In closing, I want to state that we have never turned away someone with a legitimate need and we will, God willing, continue that tradition. My cell is 276-207-4886 if anyone has any questions. God bless you all; He sure has blessed us.
Rob and Kathy Kinman
Southern Steel Tattoo INC