Advent Open House
Christmas-at-Sea is one of our most popular programs with the support of congregations, organizations, and individuals across the Capital Region. While many of us are surrounded by loved ones during the holiday season, Christmas for seafarers is often spent in the middle of the ocean away from home, family, and friends, and Christmas-at-Sea aims to spread some holiday cheer. Last year, we distributed 343 gifts to seafarers in Albany, Rensselaer, and Coeymans.
Bring your gifts to the William G. Hempel Seafarer Center at the Port of Albany between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7. Our chaplains and volunteers will be there to welcome you, show you what this ministry is all about, and receive your gifts.
Can’t make the open house? Beginning November 10, deliver your gifts to the Albany Port District Commission Office (106 Smith Blvd., across the street from the Seafarer Center) or to Unity Lutheran Church, 1500 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203 or call 518-464-2648 or 518-285-0441 to make other arrangements. Gifts are welcome and accepted throughout the holiday season, including into January. We give gifts to seafarers until we run out! Please contact us with questions.
How to Help
Find 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. We will include a card and a Christmas message from the Seafarer Center and “friends from NY Capital area.”
Suggestions for items to include:
Bring your gifts to the William G. Hempel Seafarer Center at the Port of Albany between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7. Our chaplains and volunteers will be there to welcome you, show you what this ministry is all about, and receive your gifts.
Can’t make the open house? Beginning November 10, deliver your gifts to the Albany Port District Commission Office (106 Smith Blvd., across the street from the Seafarer Center) or to Unity Lutheran Church, 1500 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203 or call 518-464-2648 or 518-285-0441 to make other arrangements. Gifts are welcome and accepted throughout the holiday season, including into January. We give gifts to seafarers until we run out! Please contact us with questions.
How to Help
Find 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. We will include a card and a Christmas message from the Seafarer Center and “friends from NY Capital area.”
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
- Warm clothing: knit cap or gloves, work gloves, warm socks, sweatshirt (M, L, or XL)
- Writing paper, envelopes, pencils, pens
- Books, puzzles, word search / sudoku, playing cards
- Toiletries: razor/shaving cream/aftershave, toothbrush/toothpaste/floss, deodorant/fragrant soap (like Irish Spring®), brush or comb, lotion
- “AA”/”AAA” batteries
NO CANDY OR OTHER FOOD, PLEASE
Date and Time
Sunday Dec 7, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Fees/Admission
none
