Containerization & Intermodal Institute Makes $5,000 Donation to Seamen’s Church Institute of NY/NJ

NEWARK, N.J. —The Containerization & Intermodal Institute presented the Seamen's Church Institute at Port Newark a $5,000 donation to assist in the repairs of the center following damages sustained by Hurricane Sandy. The presentation was made at the Connie Awards on Monday, December 10th in Newark, NJ.

The Seamen's Church Institute (SCI) International Seafarers' Center was badly damaged and flooded as a result of Hurricane Sandy, which has left most of New Jersey and New York with billions of dollars worth of damage.

CII, founded in 1960, is committed to a mission of educational endeavors and among SCI's work are training programs that provide continuing education that saves both crew and passenger lives and meets the challenges faced in the new millennium of maritime security.

"It is an excellent fit and we felt, a productive way to utilize funds we have set aside for education and training in our industry," said Michael DiVirgilio, treasurer of CII and Executive Vice President at Ceres Terminal. CII's $5,000 donation was the largest monetary contribution to the Port Newark center and SCI is seeing grants coming in, including two new vehicles in early January that will replace the ones that were engulfed by the storm.

SCI of New York and New Jersey is the largest mariners service agency in North America and provides pastoral care, maritime education and legal advocacy to mariners in North America and international maritime locations. Three feet of water flooded the Port Newark location's first floor, which left the elevator and fitness center inoperable. Three transportation vehicles were lost in the storm and the 'Christmas at the Sea' program, which gives seafarers hand knit scarves and hats, had to be hand laundered and salvaged along with other contents on the first floor. Despite that, SCI staff continued to look after seafarers who were detained by the storm, offering essential services.

"I'm happy to report that things are on the mend," said Reverend David Rider from Seamen's Church Institute. "The center has rebounded 100% and the seafarers will be receiving Christmas gifts through the 'Christmas at the Sea' program."

Steve Blust, CII Vice President, noted: "The Containerization and Intermodal Institute supports the Seamen's Church Institute and wanted to help in the best way possible to get them back on their feet."

To donate to Seamen's Church Institute online, go to: https://donate.seamenschurch.org/ or by mail to The Seamen's Church Institute, 74 Trinity Place, Suite 1414, New York, NY 10006.