DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) — A local tattoo and piercing studio is turning appointments into donations, collecting school supplies for area children as part of its annual back-to-school drive.

New Era Tattoo Studio, located at 808 Madison Avenue in Douglas, is running a promotion from June 23 through July 15 that allows customers to receive a discounted piercing in exchange for donated school supplies. Customers who bring two new school supply items can get a piercing for just $15. Customers who bring a new bookbag can get a piercing for $10.

How the drive works

Owner Oscar Banuelos said the studio has held the promotion for approximately 10 years. Collected supplies are distributed to local schools and counselors, with remaining items available for pickup at the shop.

“Last year, we took them to the school,” Banuelos said. “We distributed them to the schools, gave some to the counselors so they can give them out. And then whatever we had left, just here at the shop—We had people come and pick them up from here.”

Banuelos said the drive is motivated by the financial strain back-to-school season places on families.

“The kids are important, and I know these times of year, whenever school is about to go back in, it can be a little hard for some of the parents getting school supplies,” he said. “That stuff can be expensive, so if we can help a little bit with that, I like to do that.”

Customers going beyond the deal

Staff piercer Erica Steedley said customers have consistently donated more than the minimum required to receive the piercing discount.

“Our customers have really showed out every year that we do this piercing special,” Steedley said. “Not only do they bring one supply, they’ll bring a bag full—because they know it’s for our local kids.”

Steedley said one customer brought a fully stocked bookbag in addition to qualifying for a single piercing.

Supplies collected include bookbags, pencil boxes, pencil pouches, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks, pencils and crayons.

Piercing options and eligibility

The promotion covers most standard piercings, including ear cartilage, nose, belly, eyebrow and lip piercings. Customers must be 18 or older with a valid ID. Minors must have a parent or guardian present along with a birth certificate.

Studio hours are Monday and Tuesday, noon to 6 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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