New London Armory Participating In Operation ELF

The on Bayonet Street is one of six locations across the state collecting donations for Operation ELF, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman has announced.

The collection effort has been taking place every year for nine years. Operation ELF - which stands for Embracing Lonely Families - is looking for items to support the families of soldiers and aviators deployed during the holiday season. Wyman said over 120 National Guard members are serving in Southwest Asia and 600 more are expected to deploy or return home before next spring.

“While these men and women are protecting our freedom, their loved ones still have to find ways to keep paying the bills and take care of their families,” Wyman said in a press release. “Donations of toys, cash or gift cards will make a real difference in the lives of those left behind and give peace of mind to our military men and women overseas.”

Wyman said new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for grocery and department stores are in particular demand. The state will host a Dec. 17 party at the William A. O'Neill Armory in Hartford for children affected by deployment, and many donated toys will be distributed there.

Donations may be dropped off at the New London Armory between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The collection will cease at the end of the day on Dec. 12.