HARTFORD, Conn — The holiday season calls for giving! For the 22nd year, the Connecticut National Guard Foundation and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz have kicked off Operation E.L.F., which stands for Embracing Loyal Families.
Operation ELF aims to support military families enduring the hardships caused by the deployment of family members. ELF helps lessen military families' financial stresses from the call to active duty.
Around 120 Connecticut National Guardsmen are currently deployed to operations around the world.
“As our men and women in uniform serve our state and nation, it is critical that we do everything we can to support the families back at home – especially during the holiday season,” said Bysiewicz. “I’ve been proud to participate in the Annual Operation ELF, an initiative that supports military families while their loved ones are deployed. I want to thank our Connecticut National Guard Soldiers and Airmen for their service and dedication to our country, and hope that Operation ELF can provide a beacon of hope to their loved ones during this holiday season.”
So far, the foundation has awarded over $49,000 of need-based grants to members and $12,500 in scholarships.
For those interested in helping, gift cards and financial contributions can be mailed at any time.
Send donated gift cards to:
Connecticut Military Department
Office of Family Programs
360 Broad Street
Hartford, CT 06105
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Send financial donations to:
Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc.
360 Broad Street
Hartford, CT 06105
Make all checks payable to the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Incorporated, and annotate “Operation ELF” in the memo line. Or donate online at: https://ctngfi.org.
Monday, Dec. 4, is the final day of the drop-off period. Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number to ensure Operation ELF can appropriately acknowledge the contributions.
For more information specific to Operation ELF or to adopt a family, call (800) 858-2677.
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