In 2006, The Seamen’s Church Institute of New York & New Jersey gave a record number of gifts to mariners – 16,210 hand-knitted items.
• 7,996 of these gifts were distributed to deep-sea mariners coming into the Port of New York & New Jersey
• 4,264 knitted scarves went to America’s river mariners
• 3,950 gifts were given to Gulf Coast mariners.
To make all this possible, the Institute received hand knitted articles from almost 4,000 knitters representing every state.
Quite a feat, isn’t it? Knit a gift and be a part of all this. Maybe you could be the 4,000th knitter! To get you going on this, we’ve included patterns for the seamen’s scarf and the mariner’s scarf. They are as easy as can be. Try them. Find other items on the SCI web site www.seamenschurch.org
And all those gifts are greatly appreciated; here are some excerpts from responses received from the recipients.
"I’d like to thank you and all diligent knitters for these unexpected presents and for their prayers for our safety."
"I had to work all of the Christmas holidays and New Years too. It is always very hard being away from my loved ones during the Christmas holidays. One thing that always helps is the kindness that is shown through Seamen’s Church."
Last December, as it does every year, the Institute recognized some of the local volunteers at a nice luncheon, and I saw and visited with Jane Ames, NAGA First Vice President. I’d like to hear from others out there. My email address is cobbfrana@yahoo.com, or write me at 80 Loeffler Rd., G-211, Bloomfield, CT 06002.
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