TOLEDO, Ohio — HeyBabe Tattoo Studio is collecting toys for children at Lucas County Children’s Services. However, this isn't just a regular toy drive. Community members will have the chance to win a free tattoo if they donate to an initiative that is deeply personal for studio owners, Megan and Tony Zuccarell.
Both have experienced the challenges faced by children in foster care. Tony said he lived with several family members growing up.
"For the times I was with my mother, if it wasn’t for programs like [Lucas County Children's Services] I honestly wouldn’t have had a Christmas myself as a child," Tony Zuccarell shared.
Megan Zuccarell, who spent time as a ward of the state, said she's glad she can give back to kids who are growing up under similar circumstances that she did.
The Zuccarells' said they have had struggles in their adult life, making it hard to buy gifts for their own children for Christmas.
"At one point we were actually homeless with our child and had a really hard time to provide for our children for Christmas," said Megan. "[We] used programs similar to that."
With a thriving business and stable home, the couple is choosing to pay it forward. Donors to the toy drive will be entered into a raffle to win one of five free tattoos.
“Going from having nothing to this, owning a business, and having the ability to give back—it puts us over the moon,” Tony said.
Those wishing to participate can drop off new toys at HeyBabe Tattoo Studio, located at Lewis Avenue and Hawk Street, in west Toledo, before Dec. 12.