WTKS Newsradio and the Dewitt Tilton Group partnered once again for Shop With A Cop, helping children from families who are staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire go shopping for Christmas gifts with a police officer.

Representatives from the Dewitt Tilton Group and WTKS Newsradio presented a check for $8,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire. The presentation took place in front of the Christmas tree in the living room of the House, located at 4710 Waters Ave.

Immediately following the check presentation, the beneficiary families traveled with a police caravan to a local Target for the shopping spree.

“These children and families stay at the Ronald McDonald House for periods of time when they are displaced from their own homes due to the need to be close to a hospital,” said Scott Ryfun, host of WTKS Newsradio. “It’s so important to give these children a real Christmas, and we are overwhelmed by the community’s support of this program and these families.”

This is the third consecutive year that the Dewitt Tilton Group has sponsored the program. At last year’s check presentation ceremony, president Chris Tilton met a pediatric patient whose family was staying at Ronald McDonald House. Her story inspired Tilton to become more involved with the home, and as a result, the construction firm became a corporate sponsor with a commitment to ongoing support.

“Ronald McDonald House does truly great things for children facing difficult times. We are proud to lend our support to their mission. A welcoming and comfortable place for a family to stay when a child is getting treatment for a serious injury or a life-threatening illness is priceless,” Tilton said.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire helps families of seriously ill and injured children cope with the stress and expense of daily living while remaining close by and emotionally strong for their child. 

For more information on the program, visit newsradio1290wtks.iheart.com or to make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire, visit rmhccoastalempire.org

This article appears in Dec 21-31, 2022.