Earnhardt locations collecting bicycles, food items to help others

In September, Earnhardt Auto Centers is collecting gently used bicycles and non-perishable food items at all Valley dealerships for the 2nd Chance Bike Drive and Food Drive. Clean out your garage and pantry, or pick up a few items and bring them to your closest Earnhardt location!

Volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul will refurbish and donate bicycles to kids and families. Of course, new bicycles may also be donated! This event has happened for many years, providing bicycles to many happy people.

“The number of donated bicycles is growing each year, and as a result, even more deserving folks will get to experience the joy of getting a bike – something everyone young, old and in-between should get to experience because it really is the gateway to mobility,” said Bull Earnhardt of Earnhardt Auto Centers. “We absolutely love this program and are looking forward to it each year – working with great program partners like our employees, local media (like ABC15 and KTAR) and an incredible charity group such as St. Vincent de Paul!”

Earnhardt added the food drive this year to provide more support to families around the Valley. Requested donations include canned chicken and tuna, soup, fruit and vegetables. Other needed items include dry beans, rice, instant potatoes, breakfast cereal boxes and cases of water bottles. Boxes of pasta and macaroni and cheese, plastic jars of peanut butter and cooking essentials such as flour, sugar and baking soda are also welcome!

Donate Today

Find the Earnhardt location closest to you to donate.

Financial donations can be made online.

Earnhardt’s Queen Creek locations also recently sponsored the Founders’ Day celebration for the Town of Queen Creek. 

Held on Saturday, September 19 at Frontier Family Park, this event included lots of hometown fun, including a watermelon-eating contest, games, rides, simulated cow milking, animal interactions and a Tot Spot for the littles. The Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department and the Queen Creek Police Department battled in friendly competitions, which thrilled the crowds. A great time was had by all!

The teams at Earnhardt Queen Creek and Earnhardt Chevrolet host or sponsor numerous community events throughout the year and enjoy supporting their local community.

Founded in 1951 when patriarch Tex Earnhardt opened one location in Chandler, the Earnhardt organization has grown to 17 dealerships representing 15 brands. Thank you, Earnhardt Auto Centers, for your generosity!

Last Updated on 09/22/2026 by Carolyn Sostrom

About the Author:

Carolyn Sostrom

Biography:

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle.

She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*.

With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower.

She works for a nonprofit in Phoenix that assists families of children with disabilities. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.

Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.

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