CONNECTICUT “ELF”

In the past, most state residents viewed the Connecticut National Guard as citizen soldiers who worked regular jobs most of the time, then mobilized for action when man-made or natural disasters threatened the state. The war on terror has changed all that. In the last several years, hundreds of Connecticut Guard troops have been dispatched to Iraq, Afghanistan and other places “in harm’s way.” It’s a stark new reality for the families and children they have had to leave behind in Connecticut.

In recent years, the Guard, the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. and the state have been running “Operation ELF” at holiday time. That stands for “embracing lonely families,” an effort to help Guard members and their relatives get through holiday time.

It’s estimated 100 Connecticut National Guard soldiers and air personnel are currently deployed in the war zones and another 300 troops are getting set to go.

Gov. Jodi Rell notes disparities crop up between civilian pay and military pay, and Guard families find themselves worrying about finances and how to make the holidays happy for kids whose parent or other relative is overseas on duty.

“It will be a difficult holiday season for many, but we can make a heartfelt difference and bring the warmth of the holiday season to our military families by participating in “Operation ELF,” Rell said, adding: “Help us lift spirits and send a message of love, hope, and peace for 2007.”

Connecticut residents can help by bringing unwrapped toys for all age groups to Guard armories around the state. Locations and times are shown at the end of this report. Many of the toys will be distributed to children of deployed Guard members at a special holiday party in mid-December. Other toys will be held by families to be placed under the Christmas tree at home.

“Operation ELF” also is looking for a host of other items that can be used by Guard families during the winter and throughout the year. Department and grocery store gift cards are especially helpful and so are pre-paid phone cards. Many families face financial pressures because on-duty soldiers often find their civilian job paychecks reduced or eliminated while they are away at war.

The governor urges small businesses and services to be creative in offering other donations to families of deployed Guard troops including fuel oil, snow removal services, home repair services, and outright financial donations. Contributions can be made to the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. The address is: 360 Broad Street, Box 53, Hartford, CT 06105-3795. When making a direct donation, include your name and address so the Foundation can properly acknowledge your gift. All donations are fully tax-deductible.

Another option is the so-called “Adopt-A-Family” program that involves individuals or businesses “adopting” a family of a service man or woman on active duty. The name of the family is never revealed to the party willing to help, just basic demographics on the family and their “wish list” are provided.

“We’re grateful for the courageous service of our men and women in uniform serving in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Rell. “One meaningful way to say thanks is to make sure the families left behind are given any help they need.”

The phone number for “Operation Elf” this year is (860) 524-4922 or 4924.

From Nov. 26 through December 12th, toys, gifts, and donations can be dropped off at the following armories between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. :

Army Aviation Support Facility
Bradley International Airport
Route 75
Windsor Locks

Hartford State Armory

360 Broad Street

Hartford, CT

Waterbury Armory

64 Field Street

Waterbury, CT

New London Armory

249 Bayonet Street

New London, CT

Stratford Armory

63 Armory Road

Stratford, CT

Manchester Armory

330 Main Street

Manchester, CT

Norwich Armory

38 Stott Avenue

Norwich, CT

 

Posted 11/26/07

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