Volunteers Help Pack Holiday Warmth For Mariners

By Evan Brown, Seamen’s Church Institute

Students and faculty from San Jacinto Maritime College gathered October 30 in La Porte, Texas, to volunteer at the Seamen’s Church Institute’s (SCI) annual Christmas at Sea on the River packing event.

Under the coordination of SCI Chaplain Nancy Simpson and San Jac’s Capt. Amy Arrowood, participants packed and labeled 2,745 hand-knit and crocheted hats and scarves lovingly made by crafting enthusiasts from across the United States and beyond. These gifts, accompanied by seasonal greeting cards, will soon be delivered to inland and near-coastal mariners through the efforts of SCI chaplains, chaplain associates and volunteers.

SCI Christmas at Sea Program Coordinator Joanne Bartosik reflected on the effort, saying, “Each box represents more than warmth. It carries a heartfelt reminder that mariners, who spend long stretches away from loved ones during the holidays, are remembered and appreciated. The Christmas at Sea on the River program has long been a cornerstone of SCI’s mission, bringing comfort to our nation’s mariners during the cold months of the Christmas season.”

Arrowood, a director at San Jac Maritime, emphasized the value of the project for students.

“Each year, as they pack these gifts for mariners spending the holidays away from home, they gain a deeper understanding of empathy, gratitude and the impact of small acts of kindness,” she said. “For the mariners, these presents serve as a reminder that they are remembered and appreciated, even by people they’ve never met. For our students, it reinforces the value of community and giving back—lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.”

This gift-giving tradition continues thanks to the generosity of volunteers, donors and community partners who share a deep appreciation for the sacrifices of maritime professionals. SCI extended its sincere thanks to Arrowood and her dedicated students and faculty for their leadership and enthusiasm, as well as to Simpson and Chaplain Geoff Davis, Chaplain Associates Dallas Hughes and Diane Burson and special guest Stephen Polk, director of SCI’s Center for Maritime Education, all of whom helped make this year’s event a success.

Although deliveries take place in December, SCI’s Christmas at Sea on the River program welcomes donations of hand-knit hats and scarves year-round. To learn more or get involved, visit seamenschurch.org/cas.

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Featured photo caption: San Jacinto College student volunteers packed hand-knit scarves and hats for Seamen’s Church Institute’s annual Christmas at Sea on the River program. (Photo by Melissa Trevizo, Seamen’s Church Institute external communications coordinator, marketing and public relations)