Press Releases
11/16/2017
Lt. Gov. Wyman Encourages Residents To Donate To The Troops As Over 400 Connecticut National Guardsmen Remain In Deployment This Holiday Season
Joins Connecticut National Guard to Kick Off 16th Annual Operation ELF
HARTFORD, CT – Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and Major General Thad Martin, Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard, today launched the 16th annual Operation ELF (Embracing Lonely Families) holiday drive to support military families who are in the deployment cycle. Operation ELF helps lessen the financial stresses that families face during active duty deployment, and the program hosts an annual party to bring together military families during the holidays.
“Operation ELF is a great opportunity to show our support to our military and their families,” said Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman. “More 400 Connecticut National Guardsman are in the deployment cycle, and we have even more residents serving with other branches of the Armed Forces who are overseas this holiday season as well. We are grateful for their service and want to do whatever we can to make this time just a little bit easier for them. They have given us so much, this is our turn to give back.”
“This annual campaign gives Connecticut residents an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to all of the military families from our state who are sacrificing so much in order to protect and serve our nation,” Governor Dannel P. Malloy said. “These donations will go a long way in supporting those whose commitment to our country has provided a priceless service. I thank the Connecticut National Guard for their work organizing this donation drive each and every year, and I encourage everyone to give what they can to help those who have given so much to our state and our country.”
“Although the Operation ELF campaign is highlighted most during the holidays, we know that hardship sometimes knows no season,” said Maj. Gen. Thad Martin, Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard. “ELF gives us the means to provide assistance to service members and their families year-round. We are thankful for the tireless support of Lt. Governor Wyman and our Connecticut National Guard Service Member and Family Support Center, as well as the generosity of community members who support the initiative.”
Donations of gift cards for grocery and department/home goods stores, pharmacies, and gas stations help support military families throughout the year. In 2016, Operation ELF raised $17,500 in gift cards and more than $10,000 in funding for military families in need.
Donations of fuel oil, snow removal, and home maintenance services are also needed. New winter clothing and unwrapped toys for young people of all ages are welcome.
Operation ELF also supports the Adopt-A-Family program to help those suffering extreme financial hardship due to active duty deployment. A summary of the family’s demographics and wish list are provided and individuals or businesses may “adopt” that family by purchasing items of need. The family remains anonymous to adopters. Gifts are delivered by that family’s caseworker along with the name of the donor, if desired.
How to donate:
Donations may be dropped off from November 16, 2017 through December 12, 2017, Monday through Friday, during normal business hours.
Army Aviation Support Facility William A. O’Neill Armory
Bradley International Airport 360 Broad Street
85-300 Light Lane (Off of Route 75) Hartford, CT 06105
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Armed Forces Reserve Center New London Armory
90 Wooster Heights Road 249 Bayonet Street
Danbury, CT 06702 New London, CT 06320
Gift cards or financial contributions may be made through the Connecticut National Guard Foundation and mailed to:
Connecticut National Guard
Office of Family Programs
360 Broad Street
Hartford, CT 06105
Website: Operation ELF
Pease be sure to include your name, address and phone number so that we may acknowledge your contribution.
Prospective donors with large quantity donations or requiring a drop-off outside of normal business hours, please call (800) 858-2677.
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Office of Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman