What Societies can do

Writing Letters

In the caring for Christians at sea, Endeavours or groups of Endeavourers in societies can write letters containing some thought of a spiritual nature, a Christmas thought, or an illustration of some Christian principle. Avoid 'dated' items like weather, news etc. as it as it could be up to a year after you write that the letter is read. Remind the reader that you are thinking of them.
It is quite acceptable to have up to 24 copies of the same letter
Woollen items

We need woolly hats, gloves, scarfs and balaclavas of general adult size if interested see knitting pattern below for hats

Stationary items

We need calendars, less than A5 in size, containing a picture without words. Calendar tabs are available the secretaries for a small donation
Pens, pencils and small notebooks, can be taped on the inside a Christmas card.

Toiletries

Each of the following items can be taped inside a Christmas card
Soap, face cloths, laces combs, key-fobs, tissues, lipsil, tooth brush & paste

General

Please remember to remove all personal references on used Christmas cards
Most essential are the handwritten letters, which tell why we are sending the gifts. They should give a Christmas greeting and tell in simple language of God's love in sending Jesus that first Christmas and that because of that we love and serve our God. Use simple words, as many of the readers will not have a good understanding of English, as they may have learnt it as they travel about and not through school. Through the gifts a great number of men have been led to the Lord and started a new life. Bearing in mind our motto 'Saved to serve', many on leaving the sea have taken up full time service for the Lord at home or in other countries.

Gifts are mostly given out by Missioners of Seamen's Societies in Christmas week. Earlier, ships which will be well out to sea by Christmas are often given a supply of gifts so that an officer can give them out on Christmas Day, a very pleasant surprise for all, and a reminder that they are not forgotten.

If you live in or near a port not covered by Missioners you can have on request ready packed gifts for giving out on Christmas morning.