Connecticut National Guard Master Sgt. Lisa Young, left, of Bristol, Conn., attempts to check out while balancing a stack of toys her children picked out as their gift selections, during the annual holiday party for Operation E.L.F. (Embracing Lonely Families) at the William A. O'Neill Armory in Hartford, Conn., Saturday, December 16, 2017. Operation E.LF. assists financial hardship issues involving Connecticut families who have deployed military members in the Connecticut National Guard. Each child was provided with $40.00 in replica cash, to be used for toys they select as gifts. Young's husband First Sgt. Alex Young, also of the National Guard, is currently deployed. (Tim Martin/The Day)
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Rita Barylski of Putnum, Conn., a volunteer and member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary, Mayotte-Viens Unit No.13, instructs 6-year-old Caolan Cummings of Danbury, Conn., on how to toss a styrofoam airplane during the annual holiday party for Operation E.L.F. (Embracing Lonely Families) at the William A. O'Neill Armory in Hartford, Conn., Saturday, December 16, 2017. Operation E.LF. assists financial hardship issues involving Connecticut families who have deployed military members in the Connecticut National Guard. (Tim Martin/The Day)
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