Advent Open House

About this event

Christmas at Sea

One of the major programs for our year is Christmas at Sea. From mid-November through January, every seafarer we visit receives a gift from generous donors like you! We begin collecting gifts on November 1.

How do I pack a gift box?

Grab a shoebox (or similarly sized box; reusable plastic bins with lids are great for this), gather some items together from the suggestions below, place them in the shoebox, and wrap it.

What does (and doesn’t) go in a gift box?

Suggestions for items to include: something local to Albany or New York, such as an “I❤NY” trinket, a postcard, or a neat photograph you’ve taken; a signed greeting card or something to make it personal; warm clothing: knit cap or gloves, work gloves, warm socks, sweatshirt (M, L, or XL; if you include sized clothing, note that on the outside of the wrapping paper); writing paper, envelopes, pencils, pens; activity books, puzzles, word search, playing cards; toiletries: razor/shaving cream/aftershave, toothbrush/toothpaste/floss, deodorant/fragrant soap (like Irish Spring®), brush or comb, lotion; “AA”/”AAA” batteries. If knitting or crocheting is your thing, The Seaman’s Church Institute and Seafarers International House have numerous patterns and ideas are welcome homemade additions to gift boxes. (NO candy or other food, please.)

Where do I take my gift box(es)?

Gifts may be dropped off at the Albany Port District Commission (106 Smith Blvd., Albany, NY 12202), Unity Lutheran Church (1500 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203), or at our Advent Open House (1:00-3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 6, at the Seafarer Center, 109 Smith Blvd., Albany, NY 12202) .