Merchant mariners wrap gifts for Guma Esperansa families
SAILORS aboard the USNS Watkins, the USNS Watson and the USNS Sisler on Friday participated in an annual tradition of gift giving by preparing toys, trinkets, and cash that will be donated to the families at Guma Esperansa or House of Hope, Capt. Darin Huggins of the USNS Watkins said.
Guma Esperansa is an emergency shelter for those fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. Its parent agency is Karidat, a church-based charitable organization.
Huggins said the crews wrapped and prepared over 100 gifts, which they fit into over 30 holiday sacks. These will be distributed to 47 families at Guma Esperansa, Huggins said.
The crews and captains of the three ships, which are prepositioned outside the Saipan Lagoon, also contributed cash for Guma Esperansa, Huggins said.
“We hope that this is an opportunity for [shelter residents] to experience some normalcy during this stressful holiday season,” Huggins said. “It’s the least we can do….”
He said the crews were grateful to spread holiday cheer on Saipan.
“We appreciate the opportunity to support the island and local residents,” he added.
Huggins said the merchant mariners gathered at the Veterans of Foreign Wars bar on Palm Street in Garapan starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 22 to wrap gifts.
The project takes place annually as part of the charitable efforts of Patriot Maritime, the contracting organization which manages the ships. Huggins said the crew of the USNS Dahl began the coordinating efforts but were sent on a mission before the gifts could be handed to Guma Esperansa. Huggins was then placed in charge of the coordination.
He said the gift wrapping was also supported by Capt. Michael Bacher of the Western Pacific Maritime Academy and some of its cadets.
Higgins is also grateful for the assistance of Ambyth Shipping, which provided logistical support and also helped wrap gifts.
Ambyth Shipping and the Western Pacific Maritime Academy assisted with the charitable efforts. Here, Captain Michael Bacher and WPMA cadets are photographed after wrapping presents for Guma Esperanza