While the Indiana Pacers front office focuses on navigating the offseason, forward Obi Toppin and the organization are ensuring the franchise’s impact continues well beyond the court.
Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) and the Indiana Diaper Bank concluded their annual diaper drive on May 22, raising more than $16,000 to provide more than 64,000 diapers to central Indiana families in need.
In total, the initiative delivered essential resources to more than 2,500 local families.
The campaign was highlighted by a “Pack the Plaza” activation outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis ahead of the Indiana Fever’s preseason home opener, where fans dropped off boxes of diapers and wipes.
A generous, undisclosed financial contribution from Toppin ultimately pushed the campaign comfortably past its initial fundraising goal.
“Diaper need is directly linked to food insecurity, and we’re proud to help close that gap for our neighbors in need,” Senior Vice President of External Relations for PS&E Tracy Ellis-Ward said. “Thanks to our partners at the Indiana Diaper Bank, as well as our players, staff, volunteers and fans, this year’s drive delivered meaningful impact.”
Following the drive, PS&E staff, community groups and volunteers gathered at the fieldhouse to sort and bundle the influx of donations.
The Indiana Diaper Bank will distribute the supplies through its regional network of community partners, which includes food pantries, childcare providers, shelters, foster care programs and family resource centers.
Indiana Diaper Bank President and CEO Ashley Burns noted that the partnership provides critical relief during a time of heightened economic strain for many residents.
“Together, we’re not only providing essential items like diapers, but also reminding parents and caregivers that their community stands with them,” Burns said. “This support helps families maintain dignity, reduce stress and focus on building a brighter future for their children.”
For Toppin, the latest off-court assist adds to a sustained pattern of philanthropic work across the Circle City since joining the roster.
During the holiday season in December 2025, the high-flying forward traded his basketball gear for a shopping cart, hosting a dedicated holiday giveaway for the youth at Castleton Square Mall.
Toppin personally treated local youth from the Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis to a holiday shopping spree at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Each child was provided with a $150 store gift card and Toppin personally added another $100 out of his own pocket for every participant to ensure they could get exactly what they wanted.
“Being able to come here, give some of the kids money to get some stuff for the holidays is always great,” Toppin said during the shopping spree. “Obviously I’m a Jordan athlete, so we rocking all Jordans. I’ll bring them to the Jordan wall, get a couple things … and just give them a good time.”
Whether it is in the paint or out in the community, Toppin and the Pacers continue to drop the philanthropic hammer on the Circle City.
Contact multimedia & senior sports reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral.
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