CT Funeral Directors Collect for Operation ELF & CT Children's

Thanks to the generosity of Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) members and suppliers across the state and support from the general public, CFDA's annual toy collection for Operation E.L.F. (Embracing Lonely Families) and the Connecticut Children's Medical Center was its most successful ever!

Throughout CFDA’s December 2nd convention, hundreds and hundreds of toys and gift cards were carried in -- the largest single-day collection since the state’s funeral directors began this annual effort in 2006! CFDA Board members filled three large SUVs loads of toys that were divided between the two organizations. In addition, nearly $2,300 in gift cards were handed to Connecticut National Guard Foundation’s Family Support Program that assists military families with a loved one in the deployment cycle who suffer financial hardship as a result of the call to active duty.

Extra special thanks goes to the 45 Connecticut funeral homes who opened their doors as collection sites to make it easier for the public to help!

The 133-year-old Connecticut Funeral Directors Association is comprised of funeral directors at more than 220 funeral homes. Based in Wethersfield, Conn., the professional organization is committed to the promotion and advocacy of high ethical standards in funeral service. This includes the development and presentation of ongoing professional training opportunities for practitioners and educational programs for association members and the public. For more information about the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association or its holiday collection drive, call 860-721-0234 or 800-919-2332 or visit www.ctfda.org

CFDA Leadership photo above (left to right):
Front row: Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) Executive Director John Cascio, CFDA Vice President Jacqueline L. Teske; National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) SVP of Member Relations Anna Bernfeld, CAE.
Rear row: CFDA President David W. MacDonald, CFDA Treasurer Matthew R. Adzima, CFDA Secretary Melissa Melin-Miles, and CFDA Board member Jesse M. Gomes.