Bridging the gap between ship and shore

The goal of the Christmas at Sea program is to give a Ditty Box filled with gifts to every seafarer arriving in the First State during the month of December.  Last year the Seamen’s Center provided gifts to over 1,200 mariners.  The shoe boxes are filled with essentials like toothpaste, razors, soap, a few goodies like playing cards and candy, and a hat and scarf.  Each box is gift wrapped and SCW volunteers deliver the boxes directly to the ships.

Make a "Ditty box"

You can help by contributing some of the items listed below, or by filling a Ditty Box. 
Please Note: Gift packing begins in early November and continues right up until Christmas.  While we appreciate donations all year long, it is best for us to receive your Christmas at Sea  donations September - November due to limited space in our building.
December 1st we begin delivering gifts to the ships in port.

​For additional information, please contact:
Joan Lyons at 302-575-1300 ext. 1.

​Ditty box items

christmas_at_sea_ditty_box_list.pdf

• Chap Stick
• Comb
• Cough Drops
• Deodorant
• Disposable Razors
• Gloves (Winter/waterproof)
• Gum/candy
• Hand Lotion (regular size)
• Pens/stationery
• Playing Cards
• Sewing Kit
• Shampoo (regular size)
• Shaving Cream
• Soap (bars or shower gel- regular size)
• Socks
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Knitted Hat and Scarf (usually wrapped on top of the box)

***Please remember all of these items must fit in a shoe box.

Knitters wanted...

Hats and Scarves are the coveted items in every "ditty" box.  Please send finished garments throughout the year to Christmas at Sea, The Seamen's Center of Wilmington, 1 Container Road, Wilmington, DE  19801.  Please include your name and address within the package so we can acknowledge its receipt and acknowledge you in The Log as a Christmas at Sea contributor.  SCW encourages knitters to include a personal note or photograph.  The seafarers greatly appreciate your thought and personal touch.


​knitting_instructions.pdf