Because we cannot safely gather in groups during the pandemic, there will not be a Ditty Bag Day on November 21st as planned. However, we WILL be delivering Ditty Bags to the seafarers who come into the Port of Seattle during the upcoming holidays.
For instructions on how to knit or sew ditty bags, click here to be directed for sewing instructions or see "Get Involved" section of our website.
Click here for the Ditty Bag Pattern.
How will those ditty bags be filled?
Groups who would like to collect toiletries are welcome to do so if they have a collection point available, but because that will not be an option for many of our loyal supporters, you can still help the seafarers by sending a donation to the Seattle Seafarers' Center at the address shown below or by donating securely online through PayPal. That link is found by clicking the "Donate" button on our website: mts-seattle.org
We have learned that most of the needed supplies can be purchased in bulk from the Dollar Tree stores. A $100 donation will fill a dozen ditty bags, but any amount you’d like to give will be appreciated. Just specify “Ditty Bags” when you make your donation, and we will purchase on your behalf. As always, if you are crafty, handmade knit hats and ditty bags are welcome at any time of year but are especially needed now. The specifications for making those are also on the website.
If you do plan to collect toiletries for donation, the contents of a ditty bag are the following:
(in full sizes only, no travel sizes please).
Deodorant, Shaving Cream, Toothpaste, Shampoo/Body wash combo, disposable razor, and a toothbrush sealed in a single pack.
We add sweet treats and a signed greeting card to the bag, along with a hand knitted hat of course.
If you have collected any of the above-mentioned items and would like to have someone pick them up, please contact the volunteers of the Seattle Seafarers' Center at 206-935-3439 or email: office@mts-seattle.org. We recommend calling first if you plan to drop off donations at the Center to make sure someone is available to receive your items. Sometimes we can arrange to meet you in a central location.
We will all miss the fun of gathering in a joyful group to fill the bags at St. John the Baptist but are hopeful that the tradition will continue next year.