Press Releases
12/15/2017
Lt. Governor Wyman, CT National Guard Celebrate Military Families At Operation Elf Holiday Party
Ken Crowley Directs $10,000 Donation to the Op ELF Campaign
(HARTFORD, CT) – Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and Major General Thad Martin, Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard, today joined military families from across the state at the 16th annual Operation ELF (Embracing Lonely Families) holiday party. Established in 2001, Operation ELF helps lessen the financial stresses facing military families who are called to active duty and are in the deployment cycle.
“I want to thank our business donors as well as all of the individuals from across the state who raised funds and awareness for Connecticut military families,” said Lt. Governor Wyman. “Having a loved one deployed during the holiday season is especially hard, but Operation ELF makes a difference. We are so grateful for the compassion and support shown to these families, and we are grateful to all of our military personnel for their service.”
“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 Lt. Governor Wyman and 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.”
"The sacrifices made by deploying service members are well-publicized, but too often the stories of the families left to hold everything together back at home go untold," said Maj. Gen. Thad Martin, Adjutant General and Commander of the Connecticut National Guard. "Operation ELF is not only a way to help Connecticut's military families during the stressful times, it is a chance to thank and recognize those taking care of the day-to-day tasks here while a loved one is serving overseas."
This year, Operation ELF received a $10,000 contribution from the Ford Motor Company through Ken Crowley, owner of the Crowley Auto Group. Crowley was awarded the 2016 Salute to Dealers Award for exceptional community service and chose Operation ELF to receive the donation.
“I am so happy to be able to support Operation ELF and the Connecticut National Guard Foundation,” said Ken Crowley, owner of the Crowley Auto Group. “I thank the Ford Motor Company for the check that will enable Operation ELF to provide essential goods and services to Connecticut military families who selflessly do so much for all of Connecticut.”
In 2016, Operation ELF received $17,500 in gift cards, $10,000 in donations, and new winter clothing items. These donations supported more than 500 service member families throughout the year.
Donations of gift cards for grocery and department/home goods stores, pharmacies, and gas stations help support military families throughout the year. Operation ELF also accepts donations of fuel oil, snow removal services, and home maintenance services.
How to donate:
Donations may be dropped off through December 22, 2017, Monday through Friday, during normal business hours:
William A. O’Neill Armory
360 Broad Street
Hartford, CT 06105
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 Street
Hartford, CT 06105
Website: www.ctngfoundation.org
Pease be sure to include your name, address and phone number so that an appropriate acknowledgement of your contribution can be sent.
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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The Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization that was established in April of 2003 for the purpose of providing emergency financial assistance for Connecticut National Guard members and their families. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
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Office of Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman