HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) — On Saturday morning, families of the Connecticut National Guard gathered for an annual event designed to provide support and comfort during the holiday season.

Operation Embracing Lonely Families has been a tradition for 23 years, offering much-needed support to military families separated from loved ones who are deployed.

The event focuses on easing some of the financial burden and emotional stress that military families face during deployments, especially during the holidays.

“It’s an enjoyment because it brings everyone closer during the holiday so they can still be around their family too,” said Newton Maldonado, a National Guard soldier.

One of the attendees, Nicole Scalora, whose husband was recently deployed to Africa for a year, shared the challenges of military life.

“It’s tough. We have to take it one day at a time. Doing everything at home by yourself, not having that shoulder to rely on can be difficult. But I have a lot of family and a lot of support, so that helped a lot. Also, the military is constantly reaching out. Making sure that we’re good and that if we need help, they’re there,” she said.

Saturday’s event included treats and toys for the families, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.

The tradition, which began under former Governor Jodi Rell and continued by each subsequent Lieutenant Governor, has become a symbol of appreciation for those who serve and their families.

While this year’s ceremony was smaller in scale, organizers are expecting the event to grow significantly next year, with nearly 800 families anticipated to attend.

These families are affected by the various deployments of National Guard members overseas.

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz expressed her gratitude, noting, “, I’m really glad for the people of Connecticut that our celebration is rather small, because it means our national guard families are here at home celebrating.”

The event remains an important opportunity for the community to come together and honor the sacrifices made by military families throughout Connecticut.

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Several vehicles and an outdoor furnace were destroyed in a fire in Woodstock on Friday night.

Firefighters from Muddy Brook Fire Department responded to Paine District Road around 9 p.m. for a report of a detached garage on fire with exposure.

When fire crews arrived, they said they found a 20′ by 20′ building with fire throughout.

According to fire officials, several vehicles and an outdoor furnace were destroyed in the fire.

The fire did not spread from the building of origin and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.