With their ‘10,000 Toys for Girls & Boys’ campaign; combined with the holiday magic of the ‘Deck the Hall Ball’ Mix 104’s morning rock star duo Karson & Kennedy have come to define the spirit of the season in New England.
IT’S A BUSY Saturday morning at the Burlington Mall, just weeks before the holidays. The parking lots are packed. Hundreds of shoppers hurry between stores, on varied missions. It’s early November, but the halls are decked. Santa is making his list and checking it twice. But the biggest line of the morning features the Grinch, two of the biggest radio stars in Boston, and one of the biggest and most successful holiday campaigns in New England.
And for over a decade, Karson & Kennedy of Audacy’s MIX 104.1 have embodied the spirit of the season with their signature campaign, 10,000 Toys for Girls & Boys. Partnering with the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots, this cherished toy drive has brought smiles to children and parents alike, ensuring that every kid experiences the joy of unwrapping something special on Christmas morning.
But this isn’t just any toy drive—it’s a community-driven tradition that unites families, listeners, and even local celebrities in a shared mission: spreading holiday cheer. And when the campaign culminates with the much-anticipated Deck the Hall Ball on December 14th at Agganis Arena, the celebration of giving reaches its peak.
The campaign’s beginnings were humble. “It started with us helping one retired Marine on the North Shore who had toys stolen from a shed on his property,” Karson recalled. “We collected about 700 toys that first year, which is wild to think about now, as we embark on our 12th year and have collected over 120,000 toys!”
Kennedy added, “This toy drive is driven by the listeners. They are the ones who decide to take time out of their day and money from their pockets to ensure no kid goes without something under the tree. That is the true gift.”
To those listeners, they say Karson & Kennedy are the reason for the season. For Janet Frye Perez, it’s personal. “As a child, I used to be a recipient of this, so it’s really come full circle. It’s an amazing way to teach my son.” Janet was just one of the listeners who did not bring one things – instead she wheeled up a massive cart full of the things holiday wish lists are made for: games, toys, and more!
Lorrie Nobil was already in the holiday spirit on that Saturday morning, telling me, “Christmas is for the kids. And no kid should be left out. That’s just the name of the game.” For Lorrie, Karson & Kennedy are a big reason she comes back each year: “They’re the best. They are the best… they’re just so giving to everybody and anybody.”
The Origins of a Holiday Tradition
Every great tradition begins with a small act of kindness. For Karson, the journey started with a deeply personal experience.
“As a young man, I was divorced with two kids and barely earning enough money to cover my bills. I had to ask for help,” Karson shared, his voice tinged with emotion. “It was difficult to swallow my pride, but I remember the day an organization came by my home and delivered toys to my kids that I couldn’t afford. It was a hard time in my life but one that still drives me to this day to help others with our voices and platform.”
Over the years, 10,000 Toys for Girls & Boys has grown from a small effort into a massive community undertaking, with toy collection events held at Simon Malls across the region—including Burlington Mall, North Shore Mall, South Shore Mall, and Pheasant Lane Mall. The campaign draws thousands of people, all united by one purpose: giving.
“We’ve seen kids donate their own birthday presents to help other kids,” Kennedy shared. “When a child tells us they only kept one gift and donated the rest, it’s impossible not to be moved. It happens multiple times every year, and it really resonates.”
One standout moment for Kennedy was a young listener affectionately dubbed “Little Kennedy.” “She took it upon herself to collect toys and donate them. One year, she showed up with somewhere in the neighborhood of 5,000 toys. She will be president one day,” Kennedy laughed.
The variety of donations is just as heartwarming as the donors themselves. From dolls and Legos to sports equipment and books, every toy tells a story of generosity. “One year, someone donated a fully functional mini arcade game,” Karson said. “It was wild, but the joy it brought to a child was priceless.”
A Listener-Driven Success
At the heart of the campaign are the listeners who make it all possible. Among them is Maria, a mother of three from Wakefield, who arrived at the Burlington Mall with her children, each clutching carefully selected toys. “My kids and I look forward to this every year,” she said, standing near the donation bin. “We pick out toys together, and I explain to them why we’re doing it. It’s about teaching them the importance of kindness.” Maria shared how her middle child, insisted on donating her favorite type of art supplies this year. “She told me, ‘Mom, drawing makes me happy, so I want another kid to feel that happy too.’ These are the moments that make it all worthwhile.”
Another listener, Dave, shared how the campaign became a family tradition while unloading a cart full of sports equipment and board games. “We’ve been donating for seven years now. My kids love imagining the smiles on other kids’ faces when they open the toys. It’s the highlight of our holiday season.” Dave and his family start planning their toy donations months in advance. “We actually keep a list on our refrigerator all year round,” he explained. “Whenever my kids see something they think another child would love, they add it to what we call our ‘Santa’s Helper List.'”
For Lisa, a grandmother from Woburn, the campaign hits close to home. “When my son was young, we had tough times, and organizations like Toys for Tots helped us. Now, I give back every year because I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end.” Lisa now makes it a month-long event, carefully selecting toys that remind her of the ones that brought joy to her own child years ago. “I still remember the look on my son’s face that Christmas morning,” she recalled. “These days, I bring my grandchildren with me to donate.”
The Deck the Hall Ball: A Celebration of Music and Giving
While the toy drive is the heart of Karson & Kennedy’s holiday efforts, Audacy’s Deck the Hall Ball is the soul. This year’s lineup promises to be the best yet, with performances by Teddy Swims, The Fray, and Mark Ambor at Agganis Arena. Sponsored by Macy’s, the concert is a musical extravaganza that brings together fans, donors, and the MIX 104.1 family for a night of celebration and reflection.
“Teddy Swims is going to knock the house down,” Kennedy said, beaming. “And seeing The Fray again will be so special—they’re remarkable.”
The event also includes a special performance by Karson and Kennedy themselves, a tradition that fans eagerly anticipate. “We love sharing this moment with everyone,” Karson said. “It’s a chance to take a breath at the end of the year, celebrate the highs and lows, and connect through our mutual love of music.”For many attendees, the concert is more than just entertainment; it’s a way to reflect on the season of giving. “It’s magical to see the arena filled with people who have all contributed to making the holidays brighter for kids in need,” Karson said. “The energy is incredible, and it’s a reminder of what we can accomplish together.”
The Spirit of the Season
As the campaign and concert continue to grow, Karson & Kennedy remain deeply grateful for the support of their listeners and the community. “The true magic of 10,000 Toys for Girls & Boys is the people,” Kennedy said. “Every toy, every donation, every story—it all comes from a place of love and generosity.”
Michelle, a longtime listener from Medford, reflected on the campaign’s impact: “I’ve been participating for eight years now, and what strikes me most is how it brings out the best in everyone. This drive has become part of our family’s DNA.”
This year, as the 10,000 Toys for Girls & Boys campaign kicks off and the Deck the Hall Ball approaches, Karson & Kennedy invite everyone to join in the holiday spirit. Whether it’s by dropping off a toy at one of the Simon Malls or singing along at the concert, every action helps make the season a little brighter for those in need.
And as Kennedy put it best, “This campaign reminds us of the good in people. It’s not just about the toys—it’s about hope, kindness, and the magic of the holidays.”
Karson & Kennedy’s 10,000 Toys for Girls & Boys Campaign is part of Audacy’s commitment to making a meaningful difference at scale. Audacy uses its reach and personal connection with listeners to advance causes that promote strong mental health and build sound communities.
