Tucson car show is holiday toy drive

Ryan Collins is literally rolling into the most wonderful time of the year, hoping to bring cheer to kids in need from South Tucson.

“All in all, we are blessed to be a blessing and to be able to do this. It is not just about giving a gift, but being able to interact with each child and remind them they are special and loved. We want to inspire them and encourage them,” said Collins, the organizer of Toys 4 Hope Car Show and a supporter of Be The Light.

Last year’s show welcomed about 350 cars and more than 1,500 spectators. Collins said it was a great way to herald the Christmas season. 

“It was so much fun. There was a very big and diverse crowd and everything cars from the 1920s to brand new. We are hoping to make it even bigger. The more people we get, the more toys we get and the more people we are able to bless,” said Collins, who is paying forward gifts he received during his youth when times were difficult for his family.

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“I know what it did for our spirits during the holiday season,” he said.

He credits Tucson’s thriving auto and motorcycle communities for their generosity in bringing the joy year after year.

“My father did motorcycle shows in town and built cars and we were part of that community. Motorcycle and car enthusiasts are very generous people,” Collins said.

Be The Light works with shelters citywide and organizations such as Teen Challenge of Arizona and Springboard Home to distribute the toys and provide basic needs such as food and hygiene products. Collins said the goal is to collect at least 2,000 toys for children in need. 

“We really want to help community organizations that work with mothers or fathers with addiction who are getting reunited with their children. Being on the sober path is hard, and we want to help give them one less stress around the holidays,” Collins said.