Loading...The Seamen's Church Institute has appointed Paige Sato as the new program manager for its 112-year-old volunteer knitting program, Christmas at Sea, according to a press release.
Sato will begin her new role after Labor Day, and will be based in the renovated Port Newark International Seafarers' Center. She will succeed Jeanette DeVita, who left SCI in July.
"Sato claims a zeal for charitable work," the SCI release said, noting that she holds a graduate certificate from Seton Hall University's Center for Public Service.
"She also has a passion for knitting," the release said, adding that in 2005, Sato "channeled her business sensibility and training into Modern Yarn LLC, a knitting store which she co-owns in Montclair, New Jersey."
"Paige brings incredible personal energy, life experience, and entrepreneurial skills," said the Rev. David M. Rider, SCI president and executive director.
Sato began knitting at Colby College, where one of her women's ice hockey teammates taught her to knit. "A prolific output of knitted garments continues throughout her adult life," the release said.
"The possibilities are endless," Sato said about her appointment. "All the aspects of the organization -- from the maritime education, to the advocacy, to the ministry and hospitality -- serve such a great need, and I think I can really help advance the organization's mission through the Christmas at Sea program."
Sato lives in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and has three children (ages 14, 12, and 6).
Further information about Sato is available at the Christmas at Sea knitter's blog.
"Since 1898, during the Spanish American War, volunteers of the Seamen's Church Institute have knitted, collected, packed, and distributed gifts to mariners who are miles away from home during the holidays," the release said. "The gift consists of a hand-knit garment, a personal letter, and information on SCI's services for mariners. In addition to this, SCI also includes several useful items like hand lotion, lip balm, and toothbrushes -- things difficult to come by when working long stretches on the water."
Today, knitting groups around the country connect with SCI in weekly meetings at churches and at knitting-sponsored events.
