98.5 KLUC (KLUC-FM), an Audacy station in Las Vegas, collected $792,430 in cash and gift cards, 40 Coca-Cola trucks full of toys and 6,792 bikes during its 27th annual KLUC Chet Buchanan Show Toy Drive presented by Venetian Resort Las Vegas. All donations will benefit HELP of Southern Nevada.  

“The overwhelming success of the 27th annual KLUC Chet Buchanan Show Toy Drive is a powerful testament to the incredible generosity and heart of the Las Vegas community,” said Gina Massenzi, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Las Vegas. “Chet’s dedication is nothing short of inspirational, setting a gold standard for commitment every single year. We are immensely proud to be the rallying point for our neighbors as they transform the holidays for thousands of families.”

The toy drive ran from December 4 to 15 at NV Energy, where host Chet Buchanan lived and did live broadcasts on the “Big Twenty-Foot Scaffold.” Buchanan had guests come on air and encouraged listeners to donate, including members from the Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and Aces, as well as Nick Carter from The Backstreet Boys and MLB Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. 

Since the toy drive’s inception, Buchanan has lived on the scaffold for 300 days, almost 10 months of his life through some of the worst wind, rain and snow. His commitment to staying up there is to encourage locals in the community to donate their time and money at the toy drive distribution. 

“For our families, the Toy Drive is pure magic. Parents share that it lifts a weight off their shoulders, allowing them to focus on the innocence and excitement of their children during the holidays,” said Fuilala Riley, President and CEO, HELP of Southern Nevada. “Instead of worrying about what they cannot provide, they get to experience the joy of watching their kids feel celebrated and cared for. And for anyone who has ever been a parent, you know these moments are truly irreplaceable.”

In addition to serving thousands of clients, HELP of Southern Nevada coordinates the distribution of toys and bikes to numerous charities throughout Southern Nevada. Their mission is to help people help themselves. 

Listeners can tune in to 98.5 KLUC (KLUC-FM) in Las Vegas on air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via X, Facebook and Instagram.