Governor M. Jodi Rell and the CT National Guard kicked-off this year’s Operation E.L.F. (Embracing Lonely Families) to help CT’s military members and the families during the holidays.

“Our service members and their families deserve our gratitude every day, but especially around the holidays when they may be a half-world away from each other,” said Governor Rell.

The Governor said 160 National Guard soldiers and airmen are currently deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait and more than 1,000 are getting ready to deploy in 2009.

The public can support a service member and their families by donating grocery gift cards, department store gift cards, phone cards and new, unwrapped toys.  Donations of fuel oil, Christmas trees, snow removal services and financial contributions may also be made to the CT National Guard Foundation, Inc.

Many of the toys that are collected will be distributed to deployed families during a special holiday dinner in December.  Other toys will be held by families to be placed under trees on Christmas morning.

Many military families face financial pressures because activated soldiers have seen the elimination or reduction of their civilian job paychecks and Operation E.L.F offers an “Adopt-a-Family” for them. The Governor said individuals and businesses are encouraged to “adopt” one of these families to help them have wonderful holiday season.

“I know we are in tough economic times. Everyone – including state government – has to tighten our belt,” Governor Rell said. “But during the holidays let us not short-change the joy that children deserve, especially when their mom or dad is far away protecting our freedoms. They are looking out for us. The least we can do is look out for their families.”

Operation E.L.F. was established in 2003 by then Lieutenant Governor M. Jodi Rell as a sincere gesture of support to our military families who were separated during the holiday season due to deployment, and also potentially suffering tremendous financial hardship as a result of their call to active duty.  Operation E.L.F. also provided the generous citizens of our great State an opportunity to “do something” to show their support of our men and women in uniform and their families who are also called to serve during mobilization.

“Our sincere thanks to Governor Rell and the generous people of CT for making Operation E.L.F. an overwhelming success over the last six  years,” said Maj. Gen. Thaddeus J. Martin, Adjutant General and Commander, CT National Guard.

You can support a Soldier by supporting their family with the donation of a gift card to a local grocery or department store, gas station or pharmacy.  These cards can be given to families so that they can choose what they need most.  Cards of any denomination are most welcomed and appreciated. Gift cards may be delivered to any one of our drop-off locations.

Donations may be dropped off at the following armories from now through Wednesday, December 17, 2008 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  For any questions about Operation ELF, please call 860.524.4922.

Norwich Armory 38 Stott Avenue, Norwich, CT 06360

New London Armory 249 Bayonet Street, New London, CT 06320

Army Aviation Support Facility Bradley International Airport, Route 75, Windsor Locks, CT 06096

Waterbury Armory 64 Field Street, Waterbury, CT 06702

Stratford Armory 63 Armory Road, Stratford, CT 06614

William A. O’Neil Armory 360 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06105

Manchester Armory 330 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040