Seacrest’s “Operation Toes in the Sand” Supports Beach Accessibility in Little Egg Harbor
August 1, 2022
LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ—Last month, Seacrest Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center donated a wheelchair beach buggy to Little Egg Harbor Township. The community-supported initiative, dubbed “Operation Toes in the Sand,” was the brainchild of Sara Kohn, regional director of network development for the skilled nursing facility.
“I was streaming through local news and discovered multiple posts by individuals with special needs who longed to put their toes in the water, but were challenged to walk on the sand due to their disabilities,” she said. Kohn took action—coordinating a donation on behalf of Seacrest—and contacted local officials, who were thrilled with the generous gift.
Little Egg Harbor Committee Member Ken Laney was onsite at Seacrest to accept the beach buggy; he thanked the team on behalf of Mayor John Kehm and city officials. Seacrest team members Milda Baubinas, Pam Montemurno, Jackie Phillips and Ralph Newman were also present.
The donation is among several recent community-supported projects by Seacrest. The facility recently treated the trustees of Great Bay EMS to dinner (catered through family-owned Gourmet Deli in West Creek) and made a monetary donation to the squad as a token of appreciation for its incredible service. Squad 85 is comprised of volunteer members who provide basic life-saving treatment and transportation for the residents of Little Egg Harbor, Eagleswood and Parkertown.
This summer, Seacrest also made a financial contribution to the West Tuckerton Volunteer Fire Company in honor of the company’s 75th anniversary; in addition to serving Fire District #1, where Seacrest is located, the fire company provides biannual drills for the facility’s staff and residents. The local firefighters’ group, which was founded in 1947, was also honored for its milestone anniversary by its entire hometown with a celebratory parade and party featuring music, food and activities.
“Seacrest is proud to acknowledge these incredible organizations and their members, who serve Little Egg Harbor heroically and tirelessly,” said Seacrest Administrator Melanie Crawford. “They are so vital to keeping our facility, staff and residents—and the entire community—safe.”
Located at 1001 Center St., Seacrest Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is a 171-bed skilled nursing facility, providing post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care. The facility, which is in the midst of a multi-million-dollar enhancement, carries a five-star designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for both overall quality and quality of resident care.
