Seamen’s Center, Port of Wilmington, Delaware
A non-profit organization serving visiting seafarers and mariners from around the world to the Port of Wilmington. This ministry is supported, in part, by the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 405, Wilmington DE 19899
Physical Address:
1 Container Road, Wilmington
Telephone:
302 575-1300
The Seamen’s Center of Wilmington serves approximately 500 ships annually, representing more than 80 countries. These vessels bring more than 10,000 seafarers to the ports of Delaware in Wilmington, Delaware City and Claymont. The Center’s goal is to extend a warm welcome and offer a respite from the loneliness and isolation of life at sea.
The Center provides a space where seamen can relax and access the wider world through telephones, TV and the Internet. Also, the Center provides special seasonal, philanthropic and spiritual events.
Volunteer your time: Your contact with people from all points of the globe will open the world to you. Drivers are particularly needed, as are volunteers to work the desk at the Center. Most volunteers work three-hours once a week or to fill -in for others on vacation or sick.
Your church can participate in Christmas At Sea by preparing gift packages for seamen who will be away from loved ones during the holiday season.
Join the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington for Sea Sunday every September with an ecumenical religious observance and open house.
Donate: playing cards, magazines, coffee, tea, men’s clothing, books, videos and cookies.
Offer your financial support as an individual or through your church or business. Call 302 575-1300.
Our Mission
is to reverse the declining quality of life at sea as experienced by seafarers. Now, more than ever, services provided by the Seamen's Center of Wilmington are needed. The dedication of the Executive Director and a steadily growing corps of volunteers touches the lives of a multitude of seafarers with a commitment to personal, practical and spiritual assistance. Nestled in the heart of the Port of Wilmington complex, the Center offers all mariners arriving in the First State a haven from the lonely routine of life aboard a merchant vessel.
The Heart
of the organization is boundless. In addition to efforts aimed at nourishing the body and mind, the Seamen's Center of Wilmington endeavors to provide special seasonal, philanthropic and spiritual events. Unique programs, like Christmas At Sea and Sea Sunday, offer opportunities for community groups to also contribute.
Sometimes, what a seaman needs most is a sympathetic ear to help in stressful situations. The staff and volunteers understand that people the world over must support one another in times of triumph and in times of tragedy. They listen and respond to the needs of these strangers. When necessary, they can call upon an extensive network of seafaring and community agencies for additional support and guidance.
The Spirit
of the Center was exemplified in the fall of 1999 when the M/V Nora docked at the Port of Wilmington The undermanned vessel was disabled, had no provisions and crew members had not been paid in many months. Learning of their plight, the Seamen's Center of Wilmington mobilized volunteers and the community to provide vital services for the seafarers.
Stranded at the Port, the mariners received food, clothing and supplies. Compassion and understanding were extended by the dedicated volunteers of the Center.
The Body and Mind
of a visiting mariner are rejuvenated by the many amenities available at the Seamen's Center of Wilmington:
- Phone cards; private phone booths
- Free Internet access
- Television and movies
- Souvenirs
- Basketball
- Free pre-owned clothing
- International reading material
- Toiletries
- Pool table
- Snacks
- Guitar
- Free transportation
LINKS
Profile of volunteer Bill Corbishly.
Grace Episcopal Church, Wilmington, Delaware
Volunteer Solutions at Seamen’s Center of Wilmington (United Way website)