The Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) has opened its 20th annual statewide holiday toy and gift card drive supporting military families and hospitalized children. From now through Wednesday, December 2, participating funeral homes across Connecticut are accepting public donations of new, unwrapped toys and gift cards.
Donations benefit the Connecticut National Guard’s Operation E.L.F. (Embracing Lonely Families) Service Member & Family Support Center, as well as young patients at the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Toy Closet Program and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
Convention Drop-Off Location and Media Availability
On Thursday, December 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., community members may also drop off donations directly at the CFDA 138th Annual Convention. The event takes place at the Bristol Event Center, located at 112 Century Dr. (off Enterprise Dr., near ESPN) in Bristol, Conn. During the event, funeral directors from across the state will consolidate public contributions alongside donations provided by their own organizations.
Media representatives are invited to attend the convention on December 3 for video and photograph opportunities as donations are collected and compiled.
Supporting Local Communities
“Funeral directors and suppliers of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association have held this charitable holiday collection efforts for 20 years, and this is the 10th year we also invite the public to bring donations of gift cards and unwrapped toys to local funeral homes,” explains Jonathan L. Green, CFSP, CPC, CCSP, President of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association who is a Fairfield, Conn. funeral director. “By doing this, we add close to 40 convenient community sites that supplement Operation E.L.F.’s, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital’s Toy Closet Program, and Connecticut Children’s own collection efforts. We encourage state residents to take a few minutes and come donate an item that can mean so much to another family.”
About the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association
Founded 137 years ago, the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association represents practitioners at more than 220 funeral homes. Headquartered in Wethersfield, Conn., the professional trade organization promotes ethical standards in funeral service through continuing education, professional training, and public advocacy. For additional information regarding the association or the holiday collection drive, call 860-721-0234 or 800-919-2332, or visit www.ctfda.org.
