Larry Passantino and his friend Richard Soukap are self-proclaimed car buffs.
"I have a 1970 Mustang,” Passantino said.
"I have several myself... not old ones but rather new ones," Soukap added
So when the Middle Village residents heard about the East Coast Car Association's eighth annual classic car , they and dozens more cruised over to The Shops at Atlas Park Saturday.
The association regularly holds events like the car show to raise money for St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children in Bayside. It leads up to their toy drive in November.
"It just tugs on your heart,” said Michael Bilski, who manages media relations and internet for the association. “We're- all we are are a bunch of guys that have classic cars and we try to give."
The association also held a canned food drive for the nearby Sacred Heart Church food pantry. Play 4 Autism also set up shop to spread awareness.
"People like to come and see the cars, the classic cars, newer cars,” said Greg Vasicek, the president of Play 4 Autism. “And what's nice about it too is you know they stop by us and say 'Oh I have a nephew who is autistic or my son is on the spectrum."
And while the show features about 40 corvettes, camaros and more, Passantino says he wants to see the show grow even larger.
"There needs to be more,” Passantino said. “Next year, I'll be here."
The association meets every Tuesday at the Resorts World Casino in South Ozone Park.
They say they usually have over one hundred antique cars and motorcycles on display. To learn more, head to www.ECCAtoysfortots.org.