While seafarers are often at work over Christmas, COVID-19 has made things worse, with many required to remain on board their vessel for extended periods of time, away from family and friends.

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The Mission For Seafarers at Port Kembla is putting together Christmas gift bags including Tim Tams and Vegemite - the two most requested items.

The Mission is calling on Illawarra residents to send Christmas cards with messages of care and hope that will be added into the bags.

Mission to Seafarers Chaplain John Kewa said the group is a "vital source of comfort to seafarers visiting Port Kembla, especially during COVID - a period described as a 'humanitarian crisis' that has forced some 400,000-plus seafarers stranded at sea on cargo ships, globally".

"We look forward to continuing to share this message of hope at Christmas time with this special delivery," he said.

NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said the cards would let "our seafarers know how much we value their efforts".

The Christmas cards can be dropped off at the Mission For Seafarers at 55 Darcy Road, Port Kembla.

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