CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Police are teaming up with the Ronald McDonald House for the second annual McTrooper 5K Walk/Run. It will take place Saturday, September 27 in Charleston starting at the Columbia Gas building.
Dewayne Dickens, the executive director of the Ronald McDonald Charity, said last year they raised $15,000. They hope to double that this year by adding a couple new events.
“We’re going to expand on it so teams can come in and participate so that they can raise funds for all our families that will be staying with us this year,” Dickens said in a Thursday news conference.
In 2013, 350 families stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Kanawha City while their children were patients at area hospitals. Dickens said their mission is very simple.
“We want to provide anything and everything we can for those families,” Dickens said. “Transportation, lodging, food, linens, anything they need we want to provide it while they’re staying here in our house.”
Sometimes families stay for a night, other times they night be there for six to seven months depending on the diagnosis of their child. Dickens said making the families feel welcome is their job but it’s also expensive. That’s why they’re asking the community to participate in the run/walk. He stressed this year it’s family friendly.
“We’re going to try and involve everyone. Not just the adults but also the kids. They can run, come in, play games and have fun.”
All of the money raised during the McTrooper 5K Walk/Run will stay here in West Virginia. You can register as an individual or as a team online at www.McTrooperRun.com.