Governor Rell: ‘Operation Home for the Holidays’

Exceeds $200,000 Fund-Raising Goal

‘Overwhelming Generosity’ of Connecticut Residents, Businesses Means About 700 National Guard Troops Get Holiday Home with Family

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that “Operation Home for the Holidays” – her effort to raise $200,000 to help about 700 Connecticut National Guard troops home from their training bases in Indiana and Wisconsin during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays – has not only met but exceeded its goal. The troops will be deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq in early January.

            As of Friday, cash and pledges raised for Operation Home for the Holidays totals $253,157.51. The funds will be used to provide bus transportation for two large Connecticut units – the 1st Battalion of the 102nd Infantry Regiment and the 250th Engineering Company – to travel to and from mobilization stations in Indiana and Wisconsin, respectively, to Connecticut during a 10-day holiday break in their training. The remaining funds will be used to provide other kinds of support to these soldiers and others who are already deployed.

            “It is more than heart-warming – it is, frankly, awe-inspiring to see the generosity of the people of Connecticut in action,” Governor Rell said. “This year we have more members of the Connecticut National Guard deployed than at any time since the Korean War. Our state has come together to support these citizen-soldiers in a remarkable and deeply moving way.

            “As these units prepare for service in Afghanistan and Iraq, their families are understandably anxious and missing their loved ones,” the Governor said. “Now – thanks to the tremendous kindness shown by the residents of our state – they will have a chance to spend Christmas and New Year’s together before departing on their mission. It is the biggest and the best gift we could give them. I am always pleased and honored to be Governor of this great state, but on a day like this I am more proud than I can say.”

            The winter breaks run from December 23 through January 2 for the 1/102nd, which will be deploying to Afghanistan, and December 22-January 2 for the 250th Engineers, which will be deploying to Iraq.

            Governor Rell began a program called Operation ELF – an acronym for Embracing Lonely Families – when she was Lieutenant Governor. This year, the fund-raising for Operation Home for the Holidays became a part of Operation ELF’s annual toy drive. A private organization, called Operation Tribute, is helping Operation ELF ensure military families get toys this holiday season.

            As in previous years, Operation ELF is still collecting donations of gift cards to local groceries or department stores, gas stations or pharmacies. 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.

            Donations for the purchase of gift cards are also accepted. Checks should be made payable to Family Program Special Projects and sent to:

Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc.

360 Broad Street

Hartford, Connecticut 06105-3706

            Credit card donations are also accepted. Please contact the Operation ELF Hot Line at 860-524-4924 or the Family Program Office at 1-800-858-2677 for a credit card donation form.

            Once again, Operation ELF is also operating the Adopt-A-Family program, created to assist families who are suffering an extreme financial hardship as a result of their service member’s call to active duty. Individuals or businesses may “adopt” a family from this category and help them have a great holiday season.

            The name of the family is never revealed to the adopting person or organization. Rather, a summary of the family’s demographics and wish list are provided. Gifts are delivered by that family’s case worker along with the name of the donor, if so desired. Donors interested in supporting a family in this category or anyone knowing of a military family that could benefit from adoption should contact the Operation E.L.F. Hot Line at 860-524-4924 or the Family Program Office at 1-800-858-2677.