by Chaplain Michelle McWilliams

International Seafarers’ Center, Port of New York and New Jersey

From the December 2025 Quarterly Activity Report

Adopt a Crew is a new volunteer initiative implemented by SCI this year. It provides port and other maritime companies with the opportunity to volunteer in their own space by assembling care packages for a crew on a vessel. We provide them with a list of recommended items and other guidelines, but allow them the freedom to pack when and how they wish.

In the summer, Maher Terminals was the first to participate, packing eight care packages for Adopt a Crew. SCI Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Bill Allport was able to take them to tugs in the area while conducting ship visits. This fall, we had Ocean Network Express (ONE) sign up to Adopt a Crew, and they participated across the country at eight of their offices, putting together a total of 800 care packages.

I’ve already been able to deliver packages to several container and roll-on/roll-off vessels, and the feedback has been exceptional, much like that which we experience with Christmas at Sea. Unlike that program, however, this one isn’t limited to a single month, giving us as Chaplains much more flexibility. When deciding where to deliver, I take into account factors such as low crew morale and whether seafarers lack visas to go ashore. As temperatures continue to fall, Adopt a Crew has given us yet another meaningful way to bring comfort on board. For instance, when I recently distributed packages on the M/V Morning Champion, I watched the crew members’ expressions brighten instantly. The megawatt smiles are always priceless.

After spending considerable time talking with the AB and OS on the deck of the Kyoto Express, and later with the Chief Officer and Chief Engineer, I knew this was an ideal vessel to receive Adopt a Crew packages. As I prepared to leave, I told the C/O that I would return shortly with 25 care packages. He was momentarily speechless. When I came back, he expressed deep gratitude, saying how much the crew needed this boost. He explained that they had been extremely busy with repairs, operations, and inspections up the coast, leaving little time for rest. On top of that, only a few crew members could take shore leave because of tight schedules or lack of visas.

Adopt a Crew offers seafarers a gentle yet meaningful reminder that they are valued—and that SCI is here whenever they need support. As a Chaplain, I really appreciate this new program and being able to have another tool to utilize to foster connections during a ship visit. Fellow SCI Chaplains, the Rev. James Kollin and the Rev. Dr. Bill Allport, are also delivering, often to tanker and bulk vessels, and have shared similar expressions of deep appreciation from the crews.