The 15th annual Operation ELF promotion is underway and they are looking for donations to help ease the financial stresses military families face because of the call to active duty.
“This annual campaign gives Connecticut residents an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to all of the military families who are sacrificing so much in order to protect and serve our nation,” said Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. “I thank the Connecticut National Guard for their work, and I encourage everyone to give what they can.”
Four hundred Connecticut Airmen are preparing for deployment to Southwest Asia, 100 deployed last week to the Middle East, and 60 National Guard Soldiers recently returned from deployment to Afghanistan.
Donations of gift cards for grocery and department/home goods stores, pharmacies and gas stations help support military families throughout the year.
Fuel oil, snow removal, and home maintenance services are also needed and new, unwrapped toys for young people of all ages are welcome.
Residents or businesses may also Adopt-A-Family through the Operation ELF program.
Adopt-A-Family assists military families suffering extreme financial hardship and allows donors to purchase items on the family’s wish list. Names remain confidential, only demographic information is provided to supporters.
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How to donate:
Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday, Nov. 7 through Dec. 12, during normal business hours.
Large quantity donations or anyone requiring drop-off outside of business hours, please call (800) 858-2677.
Following are the donation locations:
Army Aviation Support Facility
Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks
85-300 Light Lane (Off of Route 75)
William A. O’Neill Armory
360 Broad St.
Hartford
Armed Forces Reserve Center
90 Wooster Heights Road
Danbury
New London Armory
249 Bayonet St.
New London
Gift cards or financial contributions (made through the CT National Guard Foundation) may be mailed to:
Connecticut National Guard
Office of Family Programs
360 Broad St.
Hartford, CT 06105
The Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization that provides emergency financial assistance for Connecticut National Guard members and their families. Donations are tax-deductible.
Please be sure to include your name, address and phone number so an acknowledgement of your contribution can be sent.
For more information about Operation ELF, please call (800) 858-2677 or visit the Connecticut National Guard Facebook page.
