SEA ISLE CITY — A 30th birthday celebration for a longtime Sea Isle City visitor has turned into a gift that will help other people with disabilities experience the beach.
More than 30 friends and family members of Jack Kropp of West Chester, Pennsylvania, raised $2,840 to help Sea Isle City purchase additional beach wheelchairs.
Kropp, who has severe disabilities, visits Sea Isle City with his family each summer and uses one of the city's specially designed wheelchairs to access the beach.
His mother, Reenie Kropp, said having the chair has made an enormous difference during the family's annual trips to the Jersey Shore.
“Jack loved being on the beach and in the water — it was pure joy,” she said. “And we couldn't have done it without a beach wheelchair.”
Birthday Gifts Become a Donation
As Kropp's 30th birthday approached, his mother was planning a large celebration, but friends and family weren't sure what gifts would be appropriate for the occasion.
That's when family friend Gail Willard came up with another idea.
Willard had heard that Sea Isle City could use additional beach wheelchairs and suggested everyone combine the money they otherwise would have spent on birthday presents.
“Why doesn't everyone pool the money that they were going to spend, and we will get a beach wheelchair in Jack's honor,” Willard suggested.
More than 30 people participated, ultimately raising $2,840.
The group presented the money to the City of Sea Isle City to purchase a beach wheelchair in Kropp's honor.
The donation actually exceeded the cost of a single chair, according to the city, so the remaining money will be put toward the purchase of another beach wheelchair.
For Kropp's mother, that means her son's birthday gift will eventually help other families enjoy the same experience hers has had.
“It was beautiful and I would love to see other kids also experience that same joy as Jack — because I love this town,” she said.
Free Beach Wheelchairs Available in Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City's Recreation Department provides beach wheelchairs at no charge to people who need assistance accessing the city's beaches.
The specially designed chairs have large wheels that allow them to travel across sand where a conventional wheelchair generally cannot.
Chairs can be used for up to one consecutive week, although the city strongly encourages reservations during the busy summer season.
The program operates through the Sea Isle City Community Center at 4500 Central Ave.
While there is no charge to use a wheelchair, the city accepts donations to help cover repairs and purchase additional chairs — making contributions such as the one made in Kropp's honor particularly valuable.
For Kropp's friends and family, the donation provided a solution to the question of what to give someone for a milestone birthday.
Instead of more traditional presents, they gave Sea Isle City something Kropp already knew could make a trip to the Shore special — the ability to get onto the beach and enjoy the water.
More information about Sea Isle City's beach wheelchair program is available through Sea Isle City's ADA Access and Beach Wheelchair page or by calling the Recreation Department at 609-263-0050.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
