Notorious Tattoo Helps Buy $3K Worth Of Gifts For LI Families

CENTEREACH, NY — Branches Long Island, a non-profit that focuses on community outreach, got special help from a tattoo parlor in Centereach this holiday season.

In its effort to assist Long Island families with buying gifts for the holidays, Branches Long Island asked people to "adopt" families in-need for Christmas, Samantha Morales, who runs the organization, said. Notorious Tattoo Company in Centereach stepped up, adopting all families waiting for assistance and those on Branches Long Island's waiting list.

Over $3,000 worth of gifts were purchased by Notorious Tattoo customers and will be given out to families through Branches Long Island.

Joel MacDonald, who owns Notorious Tattoo Company, opened the shop three years ago near the house he grew up in. He said that being an active member of the community, he wanted to help those who are struggling, especially with Christmas this week.

"The reality of it is, this being Long Island, there are several low-income, single-parent households," MacDonald told Patch. "A lot of families are struggling just to get by. When Christmas comes around, it's an extra expense. A lot of people stress out about it and put themselves into debt or create a deeper hole by going outside of their means. Some people just don't have it."

Overall, he said his business sponsored seven families.

"It's humbling to know when we do things like this for the community, we have such an overwhelming response," MacDonald said. "That's really what it comes down to. Sometimes people need help, and one day, you might too. If you do the right thing and believe in karma and God is good, it's just God's work."

MacDonald knows the donation of gifts made in Notorious Tattoo Company's name would not have been possible without the help of the customers and wanted to send them a special message.

"To all my customers who have supported us through all these events, I don't really consider you customers; I consider you friends and family. I'm humbled and blessed that you're helping me help others. The same way that you help us, if there's anything that we can ever help with, we're indebted to you and grateful for you."