THE SEAMEN’S CHURCH INSTITUTE
Website: www.seamenschurch.org
Media Contact:
Debra Wagner, Director of Communications, sci@seamenschurch.org;
212-349-9090 Ext 249 Cell phone:
516-382-1920
Many photos available!
Twas the knit before Christmas
Seafarers braving dangerous and lonely seas are now bringing the
goods we buy for Christmas - why not honor their sacrifice with a gift?
Please knit a cap, scarf, or other items for mariners far away from
home on Christmas Day. All who work at sea face particular
perils, endure substantial physical hardships, suffer lonesome
separations, and confront dangerous seas.
The Christmas-at-Sea program of the Seamen's Church Institute of New
York & New Jersey is looking for knitted items as chaplains prepare
to increase distribution in the Port of New York & New Jersey and
along 2,200 miles of America's inland waterways.
Most seafarers come from tropical to temperate countries and are
unprepared for frigid winter temperatures. The garments are deeply
appreciated.
The hand-knit gifts the chaplains bring are a tribute to the
friendliness and compassion of Americans to seafarers from all
countries. Last year SCI placed over 15,000 hand-knitted gifts onboard
vessels, but we need more knitters.
One of the Christmas-at-Sea patterns is a custom-designed river
mariner's scarf. SCI has an extensive ministry to the 30,000 mariners
on the inland waterways called Ministry on the River that includes
support from over 100 River Friendly Churches in 11 states. Our
nation's river mariners perform dangerous work and endure long periods
away from home and family.
Because demand exceeds the number of garments received, knitted items
are collected year-round. Add your name to our list of 3,500 knitters
from every state by contacting Barbara Clauson at Christmas-at-Sea,
212-349-9090, cas@seamenschurch.org or download patterns.
Send knitted items to:
Christmas-at-Sea
Seamen's Church Institute of New York & New Jersey
241 Water Street
New York, NY 10038
Captain Roger Haskell of the Motor Vessel Sea-Land Comet explains,
"Crossing oceans, especially stormy ones at Christmas can be
depressing. There is loneliness in 40-knot winds and 35-foot seas that
is difficult to express to those who have never experienced it. We
received our packages of presents from Seamen's Church Institute in
Elizabeth on November 13 and here we are more than half way across the
Pacific in route from Yokohama to Long Beach on Christmas. That's 12
ports and 19 time zones. The fact that there are people who will sit
down and make gifts like these for merchant mariners they've never met
is truly moving. You have brightened our Christmas away from home. May
God bless all of you."
Capt. Frank Smith, a river mariner, sent this letter:
"My crew and I would like you ladies to know how much we appreciate the
scarves you made. We traveled up to Chicago, North Alabama,
Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Today it
was cold and rainy and everyone is wearing their scarves. What
you ladies do is truly in the Christmas spirit. Thank you so much!"
Capt. Gregory F. Partlow sent this letter: "Our normal travel route is
from Louisville, KY to Pittsburgh, PA. I have worked on the river for
almost 19 years. During that time I have spent 12 Christmas' on the
boat. The gift packages that we get from the Seamen's Church are a very
welcome treat. I received a light brown scarf that you made. I just
love it. Another one of my crewmembers got one that you made also. It
never fails to amaze me how gifts from people like you can brighten up
a bunch of men. Thank you so very much for your time, talent, and gift
of self. I have several scarves that I have received over the years. I
wear a different one very day all winter. I never put one on without
wondering who made it. Thanks again from myself and my entire crew."