Port Houston continued its tradition of giving back to the community this holiday season though the Angel Tree program and preparing care packages for seafarers. 

More than forty Angels, identified by The Salvation Army as children and seniors in need, were sponsored by more than 100 Port Houston employees. “Receiving a specific individual to sponsor this holiday season significantly increased our end-of-the-year giving, as it created a more personal connection for our team members,” said Leslie Herbst, community relations director at Port Houston.

As part of Chairman Longoria’s final Citizen Advisory Council meeting, she and council members filled and wrapped boxes containing personal, toiletry and other useful items as part of the Shoeboxes for Seafarers program. The program, which has been operating for more than 40 years, is organized by the Houston International Seafarers’ Center, which serves as a home away from home for mariners that work aboard ocean-going vessels. “We are delighted to help spread holiday cheer to visiting seafarers, as many long-time mariners look forward to calling our port during the Christmas-giving season,” said Herbst. 

Throughout the year, Port Houston strives to provide outreach programming that brings value to the community and engages Port Houston team members in unique and memorable ways.

The post Tis’ the Season for Community Outreach at Port Houston appeared first on Port Houston.

Port Houston helped spread the holiday spirit by preparing and packaging Thanksgiving meals for 22  families at the Houston International Seafarers’ Center. Families included both local community members and Port Houston staff affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Port Houston employees participated in the project by donating funds to buy and cook turkeys, cooking side dishes and desserts or volunteering to help package and deliver meal kits on Thanksgiving morning.

Each of the 22 families received a 15 lb. turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, rolls, gravy and pie.  Also included in each package, were tablecloths, utensils wrapped with festive fall bows and personalized cards, created by some of the littlest volunteers, as many employees brought their children to help. 

This project was part of Port Houston’s strategic community outreach efforts. “We wanted to do something different and special this year, as the storm impacted many Houstonians, including some of our own,” said Garret Berg, assistant manager of community relations and events for Port Houston.

“Together, we fried 22 turkeys, coordinated the preparation of 132 side dishes and packed up full meals to feed 126 people.  All of this was done with the help of over 50 volunteers and countless others who donated money to the project,” added Berg.

“Our efforts allowed many families and friends the opportunity to come together and share a nice, enjoyable holiday meal on Thanksgiving Day.” 

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