A Brevard County tattoo artist who knows about struggling during the holidays is helping spread holiday cheer to children with the Toys for Tats campaign.

Jamie Wong, a tattoo artist at Cocoa-based Big Bang Studio, thought of the Toys for Tats idea while he was out shopping with his children.

"You know, everybody likes tattoos, and I figured that's a great way to pay for a tattoo as a donation," Wong said. "And I will give it to those less fortunate kids."

Wong said he started seeing more and more toys pour in after posting the flier. He kept his promise, he said, by giving one tattoo after another. For him, the reward is well worth the hard work.

Kayla Draughn saw a flier posted about the Toys for Tats promotion, and so she bought a toy and brought it to the tattoo studio to get new ink.

"I know what it feels like as a child not to have a good Christmas," he said. "And I also know what it's like as a father to not be able to provide a good Christmas."

Since the Toys for Tats program began, Wong said he has received about $2,500 worth of toys — and that's all going to 30 different children in need across Brevard County.

"It feels great to give back," Wong said. "I spent a lot of nights in the shop just crying because it's just awesome seeing people come together."

This year's Toys for Tats campaign is over, but Wong said he plans to do it again next year.

"I just want them to have something nice," Wong said. "Something that makes them feel special."