Thank  you to all 2024 contributors who helped us deliver an other historic record of 3,507 satchels spreading Holiday Cheer among seafarers this past Christmas!

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Please help us make 2024 another banner year. 90% of global trade is transported on the world’s oceans by crew members on container ships who remain invisible to most people, yet our supply chains depend on their services and sacrifice of being at sea for months on end. Seafarers are often overworked and lonely. We invite you, your business, school group or congregation to spread the joy of Christmas among those who will not be home with their loved ones. Our port chaplains deliver satchels filled with gifts. Mariners regardless of their faith or nationality will receive satchels filled with: 

 

• One Sweatshirt – hooded or unhooded (size M-L)

• Three Pairs of Socks – thermal or gym

• One T- Shirt (size M-L)

• One Knitted Winter Cap (coordinating scarf optional; no pastels please) 

• One Can of Nuts, Large Bar of Chocolate, or Health Snack Bar

• A Holiday or Christmas Card from YOU!

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You pick the colors, styles and brands, but please no substitutions from the list. For the safety of seafarers, please do not add fringes or pom-poms to the hats and scarves. The Christmas-at-Sea satchels should be comparable for each member of the crew. Please assemble each satchel with sweatshirts and T-shirts of the same size and label the satchel with a M or L on the back side.

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What might otherwise have been another lonely night at sea becomes a joyous occasion, because complete strangers share the spirit of Christmas with seafarers!

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If it is more convenient, you may donate and have us purchase the items for you. Typically, a completely filled satchel costs about $40. You may also order items for seafarers on Amazon, we have created a special Christmas-at-Sea wish list. 

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If you are a Thrivent client, you may apply for $250 in seed money for your Christmas-at-Sea team at www.thrivent.com/about-us/membership/thrivent-action-teams 

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To order empty satchels and to coordinate delivery or pick up, please contact:

 

Jeni Janis:  jeni@sihnyc.org or 212-677-4800 ext. 7218

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Filled satchels may be mailed by December 12, 2025 to:

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Seafarers International House

c/o Salvation Army

120 W 14th Street

New York, NY 10011

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Christmas-at-Sea is supported by

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American Maritime Officers (AMO)

Officers Union of International Seamen (OUIS)

Matson Navigation Company, Inc. (Matson)

Seafarers International Union (SIU)