ACCW calls for SIM cards, essentials in Christmas drive for seafarers

Each holiday season, people working at sea receive Christmas boxes through the efforts of several ministries in the Archdiocese. (Herald file photo)GALVESTON — The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW), in collaboration with the Houston International Seafarers Center and the Stella Maris port ministries of the Archdiocese, is collecting supplies to benefit seafarers reaching ports in the Archdiocese.

In 2024, more than 10,000 Christmas boxes — made from shoeboxes or clear plastic containers — from some 164 different organizations were distributed to people from 51 countries working and living at sea across 412 different seagoing vessels.

The boxes, wrapped in festive paper, are filled with essential items, treats and small gifts. Chaplains, ship visitors and staff hand-deliver them to ships during the Christmas season. Annually, the ACCW coordinates the large supply drives, which this year culminate with a Dec. 12 Mass, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Dell’Oro, CRS, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon. The event gathers boxes and supplies from various ministries, organizations and collection groups.

With cruise activity increasing in Galveston and the Port of Houston remaining the Gulf Coast’s largest container port — handling three out of every four containers in the region — the need for support continues to grow. The Port of Houston is also the fifth-largest container port in the U.S. and the largest by tonnage for a single port.

New this year, the drive is highlighting the need for SIM cards, which allow seafarers to contact loved ones without relying on Wi-Fi. While port chaplaincies often provide free Wi-Fi, many crew members are unable to leave their vessels. SIM cards help them stay connected when they reach ports with cell service after long stretches at sea.

Other requested items include personal care products such as full-size toiletries, deodorant, disposable razors, lip balm, dental hygiene supplies, hand and foot creams, and fabric bandages. Recreational and comfort items like baseball caps, earbuds, flashlights and batteries, playing cards, new clothing (shirts and socks), and writing supplies are also welcome.

The ACCW encourages parishes and groups to host supply drives and packing events. Boxes can be dropped off at the Houston International Seafarers Center, located at 9750 High Level Rd. inside the Houston Port entrance. Donors should arrange a drop-off time by calling the Center at 713-672-0511.

For a full list of suggested donations or to access the Amazon wish list, visit www.ghcw.org/seafarer-ministry. ​