Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and the Connecticut National Guard Foundation kicked off the 23^rd annual Operation E.L.F. (Embracing Lonely Families) to support Connecticut’s service members and their families.

The operation assists military families enduring hardships caused by the deployment of family members and helps reduce financial pressures they face from a call to active duty. Support is offered to families whose loved ones have deployed, are preparing to deploy within the next six months, or recently returned from deployment.

The Connecticut National Guard is preparing for a significant increase in deployments to a number of missions around the globe in 2025.

Donations of gift cards for grocery, department, and home goods stores, plus pharmacies and gas stations are especially needed. Other needs include donations of fuel oil, snow removal, and home maintenance services.

How to donate

Gift cards and financial contributions can be mailed at any time to:

Connecticut Military Department
Office of Family Programs
360 Broad Street
Hartford, CT 06105

Financial donations can be made by check or online. Checks should be made payable to the “Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Incorporated” with a note in the memo line “Operation ELF.” Check donations can be mailed to:

Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc.
360 Broad Street
Hartford, CT 06105

Online donations can be made here. Just click or touch the “Donate” button. All credit cards are accepted.

Direct support to families

Operation E.L.F. also has a program called “Adopt-A-Family,” designed to help military families suffering extreme financial hardship due to a family member being called to active duty. The program helps those families meet basic needs and have a fulfilling holiday season.

Families can apply to receive assistance from this program and be “adopted” by individuals or businesses who will then fund or purchase specific items needed by the family. “Adopters” never are told the identity of the family, but they do receive a summary of the family’s demographics and their wish list. A case worker ensures gifts are delivered in time for the holidays.

To donate in this way, call (800) 858-2677. The deadline to participate is December 13.

“The holidays bring great joy, celebration, and quality time with our loved ones,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “But as we gather, let us not forget the men and women in uniform sacrificing time with their families to serve our state and nation.”

“Our service members cannot succeed without the support of their families,” said Connecticut National Guard commander Major General Francis J. Evon Jr. “The heartwarming and generous support that Connecticut citizens provide through Operation E.L.F. each holiday season helps sustain and strengthen those families throughout the year.”

The Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information about the foundation, visit ctngfi.org.