The Christmas Season can be an especially lonely time for the crews of the many ships that visit Charleston Ports every day. The past three years have been more difficult due to the pandemic which has limited crew member’s shore leave and caused longer work contracts. Some seafarers have not seen their families in over a year.

For these reasons, it is more important than ever that the Charleston Port & Seafarers Society continue working with local religious, charitable organizations and individuals to keep the tradition of providing these crews with presents to open during this holiday season.

With the help of many – There were over 3,600 presents distributed at our Ports this year! This could only be accomplished by the generous help of many. Christmas at Sea-churches, maritime businesses, associations, individuals, ITF and others that make it all happen.

This year Grace Church Cathedral and the International Transportation Workers Federation along with NAMMA (North American Maritime Ministries Association) helped buy the 3600 empty boxes. These boxes were distributed to many area churches, local businesses, and charitable organizations. Supporters went shopping for much needed toiletry items, fun games, books, candy, and other surprises.

Many included a Christmas card with words of encouragement inside the gift-wrapped boxes wishing recipients a Merry Christmas. This is a significant time and energy commitment – Many find that it adds to the Spirit of Christmas to bring happiness to these Seafarers at this time of year. Our own Charleston South Carolina Port Authority team is seen below with the former Chaplin Father Jeff Wallace and some of the many Gift Boxes that they prepared for our Seafarers.

These gifts were then gathered by the Charleston Seafarers and moved to the terminals and delivered to the over 100 ships that arrived in Charleston between December 1st and January 8th.

The results are very satisfying as you can see from just a few of the many quotes and pictures received from the recipients below.

Dear All,

With happiness in our hearts we want to thank you for gifts you shared with us, special THANK YOU for all those that added cards to make these gifts more precious and memorable.

Your kindness travelled worldwide through Poland, Malaysia, Croatia, Egypt, Romania, Ukraine, Jordan and Philippines to all families of Tangier Express crew.

May the true spirit of Christmas shine in your heart and light your path.

Merry Christmas and Healthy New Year from Tangier Express
In behalf of all crew from TANGIER EXPRESS

Igor Matkovic
2nd Officer

Dear Friends from Charleston,

Behalf of crew I’m very grateful to you for Christmas gifts.
We would like to express gratitude to you by sending poster with photos made by our cadet.
We were celebrating Christmas in the middle of Atlantic underway to Mediterranean Europe.

M.Satrjan / Master
m/v “Maersk Shekou”

VSAT phone: +49 40 8740 8770 (Bridge)
VSAT phone: +49 40 8740 8771 (Master’s Cabin)
Iridium phone: +8816 7712 4933 (Bridge)
Mobile: +49 176 1111 1610
Inm-C: 456604636 / 456604637
Email: maerskshekou@gtmailplus.com

Wishing You and your families a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year 2023!!!
Many thanks for the Christmas gifts which were drown between crew members.

With Best Regards,
Bryeyev Dmytro / Kryzhnyi Vitalii
Master/Ch Engineer
MV “COSCO Pride”
Bridge: (KVH Voice) +1 778 358 8473
ECR: +881 677 756 167
Tel 2: (Iridium Voice) +881 677 756 165 / + 881 677 756 166
Tlx: (Sat-C) 447 703 676 / 447 703 677

Charleston Port and Seafarers Society,

Merry Christmas form the Crew of the Missouri Express.

We can’t thank you enough for the amazing Christmas gifts you provided this vessel.

The Missouri Express opened the gifts on Christmas morning enroute from Norfolk Virginia to Antwerp Belgium.

We count you as one of our many blessings, thank you again for making our Christmas at sea.

V/R,
Captain A.D. Longnecker
M/V Missouri Express
Master.missouriexpress@crowley.com
VSAT: 001 346.577.9803
FBB: +870-773.061.007
Mobile: 001 904.521.6248

Charleston Port and Seafarers Society,

Merry Christmas form the Crew of the Missouri Express.

We can’t thank you enough for the amazing Christmas gifts you provided this vessel.

The Missouri Express opened the gifts on Christmas morning enroute from Norfolk Virginia to Antwerp Belgium.

We count you as one of our many blessings, thank you again for making our Christmas at sea.

V/R,
Captain A.D. Longnecker
M/V Missouri Express
Master.missouriexpress@crowley.com
VSAT: 001 346.577.9803
FBB: +870-773.061.007
Mobile: 001 904.521.6248

TO: CHARLESTON PORT & SEAFARERS SOCIETY
FM: CSL / MSC BOSPHORUS / 1114

DEAR ALL,

GOOD DAY, FROM THE OFFICERS AND CREW OF M/V MSC BOSPHORUS,

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL GIFTS THAT WE RECEIVED FROM YOU.
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS DISTRIBUTING / OPENING THE GIFTS DURING OUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ON BOARD 24 DEC.2022.

WE ALSO EXTEND OUR APPRECIATION TO THE CHURCH MEMBERS, MISSION PARTNERS AND ALL PERSON BEHIND THIS IDEA OF DONATING CHRISTMAS GIFTs
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR !!
THANK YOU.

Best Regards,
Capt. ROBERT R. ALIM – MASTER / SSO

There were far too many wonderful stories and pictures to print here – but these few tell a nice story. The holidays are an especially lonely time for these Seafarers away from their family and friends. Your thoughtfulness and generosity have provided some light and happiness. Together we have spread the Joy of Christmas around the world.

A Special thank you to everyone who made these experiences possible!

Thanks for supporting the Charleston Port & Seafarers Society.