Did you know that St. Nicholas is the patron saint of seafarers, as well as of children? Port Houston is proud to continue a wonderful tradition of spreading holiday cheer by providing small gifts to visiting seafarers through the “Shoeboxes for Seafarers” program.  The program, which has been running for more than 40 years, is organized by the Houston International Seafarers’ Center.  

This holiday season, Port Houston packaged and delivered more than 60 wrapped shoeboxes to the Center, after collecting money, shoeboxes and items for the project.

Each box included daily personal products such as soap, a pair of socks, shampoo and a toothbrush, as well as other fun items like a deck of cards, sunglasses and candy.  Additionally, each box contained a special holiday greeting created by Port Houston team members.  

“Every year, the Seafarers’ Center hands out more than 10,000 shoeboxes, packed and wrapped by churches and community groups all over the Houston area, to visiting seaman.  Although the Port Houston team plays a small part in these larger efforts, we know our contributions help make this season special for those seafarers who are away from their families during the holidays,” said Leslie Herbst, director of community relations and events for Port Houston.

The Houston International Seafarers’ Center serves as a home away from home for the men and women that travel aboard ocean-going vessels. The center’s new restaurant at the Port of Houston Turning Basin is expected to open in December 2017.