SPANISH FORT, Ala. — The Eastern Shore Cruisers will host the fourth annual Toys for Tots Cruise In/Show Saturday, Nov. 10, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Dillard’s at the Eastern Shore Centre.

According to founder Fred Minke, the Eastern Shore Cruisers is a car enthusiasts group which formed five years ago. Approximately 65 car enthusiasts have already said they want to come show off their cars at the event, Minke said.

He said last year’s event was very successful, even though the weather was very cold. Thirty-nine cars were shown and approximately 200 toys were collected, MInke said. A Marine hummer was filled halfway with the toys.

“This year we want to fill it,” he said.

The festivities will include oldies music played by DJ Daddy O, and door prizes for gift certificates to restaurants and T-shirts will be awarded. Fifty percent of the proceeds from a 50/50 raffle will be donated to the USA Women's and Children’s Hospital, Minke said. The other 50 percent of the proceeds will go to the Eastern Shore Cruisers.

Organizers are encouring parents to bring their children to the event. A rub off tattoo table will be set up for the kids, and the Spanish Fort Fire and Rescue squad has offered to bring up a fire truck for the kids to view and Daphne Utilities will set up a tent with a fun kids’ area. “We’re trying to make [the event] bigger and better,” Minke said.

The Eastern Shore Cruisers meets the second Saturday of every month from March until November at Dillard’s parking lot in the Eastern Shore Centre from March until November from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Minke said the group gets together to socialize and listen to oldies music. Member include cruisers from Alabama, Florida and Georgia. There is even one snowbird from Canada that comes in to cruise, Minke said.

The group has formed a network with each other, sharing information and giving referrals to one another about the cars, Minke said.

Minke got the idea to have a benefit for Toys for Tots after he attended a car show in Birmingham. He chose the USA Women's and Children's Hospital as a recipient of the proceeds from the raffle because his daughter was born there, he said.

Other area business are also pitching in with the event, he said. Omni Fitness has set up donation boxes and are asking members and employees to donate to Toys for Tots. BES Construction in Fairhope is also asking their employees to consider a donation.

Anyone who drives a vehicle and is interested in participating in the Toys for Tots Drive can join in the fun with the donation of a toy valued at $10 or more, Minke said. Donations of money are also accepted. Those who are interested to attend can register at the event or preregister.

For more information, contact Fred Minke at 709-5900 or you can go to the Web site at easternshorecruisers.com.