The International Seafarers’ Center (ISC) was established in 1982 as a 501(C)(3) non-profit Christian organization. Gift-wrapped shoeboxes, ditty-bags, and related items contributed to the Christmas-at-Sea program are tax deductible.
Christmas-at-Sea
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prepared plastic
The Christmas-at-Sea program began many years ago and grew out of a desire to bring a little Christmas cheer to the many seafarers who visit the Port of Brunswick during the holidays. Seafarers are so far away from home and family that the ditty-bags and shoeboxes have become the highlight of the season. The seafarers have often expressed how appreciative they are and how much the gifts mean to them. Not all Seafarers' Centers offer programs similar to Christmas-at-Sea. As a result, Brunswick has become a favorite destination of seafarers at Christmastime. As a matter of fact, back in 2016 one of the merchant vessels was delayed and would not be arriving until after Christmas. The captain of the vessel called the Seafarers' Center and asked if the packages his crew would have received could be held until they arrived in port. We gladly obliged! Every seafarer on every vessel that visits the Port of Brunswick from Thanksgiving through Orthodox Christmas receives a gift. These gifts would not be possible if it were not for the generous support we receive from our amazing donors and volunteers. Once again the International Seafarers' Center will be preparing and delivering shoeboxes and ditty bags to the seafarers. We are in need of donated items, already prepared shoe- |
boxes and ditty-bags, and volunteers to help stuff shoeboxes and ditty-bags with donated items (see list above).
This year, we are making a slight change. We will be using clear plastic shoeboxes and ditty-bags only...no cardboard shoeboxes as in the past. Clear plastic shoeboxes will eliminate some of the waste associated with gift-wrapped packages since the seafarers can reuse the shoeboxes. They also provide an added measure of security since the contents will be clearly visible. For more information or to sign-up to help, email directorofvolunteers@seafarerscenter.org or call the Newcastle Center at 912-267-0631. |