Dugout Sports Bar Hosts Car Show and Toy Drive for Local Youth

Topeka car enthusiasts gather for holiday toy and personal care drive

“Kids, they need our help, and we want to help the kids in this community,” Gary McArdle said, emphasizing the motivation behind a local gathering of automotive enthusiasts. McArdle, who works with CA Shows, is helping the Dugout Sports Bar and Grill host its Holiday 2026 Personal Care and Toy Drive Car Show today, WIBW reported.

The event, held on Saturday, Nov. 7, serves a dual purpose: bringing together car lovers and collecting essential items for local youth. Rather than a standard exhibition, the show functions as a community-wide drive to gather school supplies, personal care items, and toys. Organizers are aiming to provide direct support to children in the Topeka area through these donations.

All items collected during the event are designated for two specific local organizations: LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center and The Family Initiative (TFI). These groups provide critical support services to youth within the community, and the donations are intended to bolster their ability to assist families in need.

The scale of the collection efforts is already visible to those on the ground. McArdle noted that the group has managed to gather enough toys and supplies to fill an entire van.

Donation details and event logistics

For residents looking to participate in the drive, the event is taking place at The Dugout Sports Bar and Grill, located at 1545 Southwest Fairlawn Road. The car show is scheduled to run until 4 p.m. today.

In addition to the charitable component, the event includes several incentives for those attending. The organizers are hosting giveaways to thank both the donors and the attendees, and car enthusiasts have the opportunity to compete for prizes during the show.

The drive highlights a recurring theme in local civic engagement, where hobbyist groups leverage their gatherings to address immediate community needs. By combining a social event with a targeted collection for LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center and The Family Initiative, the organizers are attempting to turn a niche interest into a broader mechanism for local support.

“It’s just something that we have taken on, and we’re going to do it,” McArdle said regarding the commitment to the annual drive.