KSSN-FM Collects 25,000 Toys and $25,000 for Toys for Tots

Topic: Youth-Focused Initiatives

KSSN-FM in Little Rock, Ark., wrapped up its 23rd annual Toy Hill Toys for Tots drive with nearly 25,000 Christmas presents and $25,000 for the area’s neediest children. For the 72-hour event, morning host personality Bob Robbins camps out in an RV next to an area that grows into Toy Hill as donations pile in. Robbins stays on the air at all times, except for the few hours he catches his sleep. In addition to the three-day live broadcast, the station posts new photos on its Web site every four hours. Streaming broadcasts, Web banners and email blasts all play a part in getting listeners involved. Each year, the governor and mayor call in or stop by, and country artists and other prominent leaders share their support on the air. The schedule leading up to the 72-hour event is extensive, including live three-hour remotes from toy drop-off locations throughout the community and various promotional spots for other Toys for Tots events. At the conclusion of last year’s campaign, KSSN staff had given 500 hours of their time, which they plan on doing again come December. "We wouldn’t be successful without the local community and Bob Robbins and the KSSN family," said U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Adkin Lomax. "We look forward to an even greater campaign next year."

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