Wallsend Church have been providing donations of items that get distributed to Seafarers visiting Newcastle Port. During the last 2 years most seafarers have not been able to leave their vessels so receiving some extra items that they were unable to access was especially welcomed. The following is an update and a request to serve these people again.
Staff from Mission to Seafarers have been restricted from making contact with crew of visiting ships and so getting needed supplies to crew members has been difficult. Only one staff member was allowed to be at the office to take calls for assistance.
In spite of restrictions the Mission organised with the Health Department to provide a vaccination to any crew member who wanted to receive one. These were provided under strict regulations by volunteer doctors and nurses. This may eventually allow crew to leave their ship at their home port so that they can finally see their families. A small gift bag was given to these crew members with things like chocolate, coffee sachets and some personal items.
Now that the restrictions are being lifted, all the staff at Mission to Seafarers will be back in office.
They are planning to make Easter a special time to give care bags to visiting ships so it would be really nice to start getting some items you would like to contribute.
Easter weekend is from 15th to 18th April but we would like to have a donation ready by Saturday 19th March.
DONATIONS
The list of items required includes the following:
Chocolates are first on the list. Individually wrapped.
Toiletries: Soap, disposable shavers, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Puzzle books, packs of cards, pens, coloured pencils, sketch pads, craft items, DVDs, small jigsaw puzzles, books, beanies and work socks.
Bibles in any language and if you have Signs magazines you have read you can donate them as well.
It has been a tough year or two but I am sure we have had the benefit of having access to the things we need. I would like to think that restrictions will end soon and the very basic things we enjoy will be available to seafarers and that they are able to hug their families again.
Thank you for your generosity and looking forward to making a difference in the life of the Seafarers.
God bless - Julie
(Photo - items donated by Wallsend Church attendees in June 2021 with Julie and Mission to Seafarers staff)