900 Christmas bags for sailors: Wilhelmshaven's special mission!

900 Christmas bags for sailors: Wilhelmshaven's special mission!

In the Wilhelmshaven Seaman's Mission, preparations for Christmas are in full swing. On this December 4th, 2025, people are already busy packing, as more than 900 lovingly filled cloth bags will be distributed to ship crews this year. This sets a new record that shows how important this action is for seafarers, who often have to spend time away from their families and home. The bags, part of the campaign, which has the motto “Every year again – Christmas at sea for sailors”, contain a colorful mix of chocolate, socks, peanuts and other small gifts that are intended to bring the Christmas feeling on board a little closer.

Wilfried Adam, the chairman of the seamen's mission, and Dietmar Szech, a former captain, are looking forward to the upcoming distributions with great anticipation. Szech, who himself received gifts from the sailors' mission during his active time, emphasizes how important these small gifts are for the sailors. The gift bags are to be brought on board the ships a week before Christmas to bring joy to the men and women at sea. The Christmas season is often very emotional for seafarers, which is why support in the form of gifts is particularly well received [NDR] reports that...

Dedicated helpers and a variety of gifts

The organization of the campaign is coordinated by a dedicated team of around 15 volunteer ship visitors. This event would not be possible without the numerous hard-working helpers, including children from daycare centers, seniors from care facilities and students from Jade University. We pack and make things together to give the sailors a sense of home and support [NWZ] reports that...

The bags are full to the brim with everyday items and Christmas surprises - from toothbrushes and warm hats to self-knitted clothes and games. Christmas greetings in different languages ​​are also part of the packages distributed to the seafarers. A good portion of the gifts are financed by donations from the region, and the entire campaign is carried out on a voluntary basis. This shows the great solidarity and support that the seafarers can experience from the community in Wilhelmshaven.

A ray of hope for sailors

The German Seamen's Mission (DSM) coordinates not only in Wilhelmshaven, but at various locations in Germany and even beyond. In 2023, over 26,000 gifts were distributed in Germany and 15 other countries. From Cuxhaven to Lübeck, seafarers are also being considered in other cities. Examples from 2023 show that 850 bags were donated in Cuxhaven, 1,600 in Bremen and 555 in Lübeck. However, the emotions are always the same: for the seafarers, who often have to stay on board the ships, Christmas is a time marked by loneliness and missing [Seaman's Mission] reports that...

Supporting the Seafarers' Mission helps alleviate this loneliness and provide a sense of appreciation. The sailors not only receive gifts, but also experience a temporary “second home” that gives them the spiritual support they need. The activity of the mission therefore has not only social but also psychological effects that brighten the spirit of seafarers.

From December 15th, the distribution of Christmas bags will begin on over 1,000 ships - an impressive effort that shows how important the work of the seafarers' mission is. The associated celebrations vary depending on the port and the weather, but the joy of receiving the gifts remains unbroken.