In Indonesia, impoverished families can now obtain valuable health screenings.

In Hungary, an old elementary school is brightly painted and equipped with computers.

In the UK, elderly shut-ins find friendly letters every month in their mail.

And in the U.S., colleges, universities, social services and disaster-relief agencies have received extra infusions of much-needed cash.

All these efforts came from GE Capital employees, who volunteer their time and talents. They also help to financially support worthy causes through donations matched by the GE Fund to location-wide fund-raisers and GE Capital direct grants. In 1998, the combination spelled life-changing, community-building improvements.

Last year, GE Capital contributed $6.9 million in Asia, Europe, South America and the U.S., primarily to support organizations and projects in which employees volunteer their time and talent. Many of these organizations help children and adults by fighting poverty, improving educational opportunities and offering a friendly ear.

About 160 elementary students in Budapest walked through the doors of their old school to discover dingy walls and doors had been painted bright colors of blue, green and purple. Lunch area windows had new curtains, and tables were topped with baskets of apples and oranges.

At GE Insurance Holdings near London, employees have been donating time and money to help change children’s lives at a local community center and primary school. Here students are seen wearing sweaters donated by GEIH employees.

These children did not know that on Saturday morning, 100 volunteers from GE Capital’s Budapest Bank and GE Lighting Tungsram painted and scrubbed their school.

“This was the most successful project since we introduced community service in 1997,” noted Csilla Kovesdi, manager of organizational communications at Budapest Bank, which joined GE Capital in 1995. “Since then, more than 1,800 bank employees have participated in a variety programs, working together for more than 3,500 hours.”

In 1998, the bank’s associates also brightened the lives of more than 650 underprivileged and mentally handicapped Hungarian children at three sites during the holidays. In Szeged, Santa Claus visited children from two childrens’ homes and a school for mentally handicapped children, bringing sweets and gift bags made by the bankers themselves.

“These children found a lavish table,” explained credit controller Erika Boyer. “We had playgroup activities, games, a gingerbread show and a concert.” In Budapest, children from 16 institutions and 11 rural towns came to Pataky Cultural Centre to watch plays, sing songs and to eat a healthy breakfast. “Their bright eyes took the warmth of the event home with them,” recalled Monika Horvath, who coordinates community activities at the bank.

“We all think back on our community work with good memories,” said Marta Klinger, a client relationship assistant. Beyond Budapest, reports of volunteerism and philanthropy come from nearly every corner of the GE Capital world. Explains an enthusiastic Mary Gorham Franco, GE Capital's community relations leader: “Our success last year was just incredible. GE Capital volunteers stepped up to lead the GE-wide goal of one million volunteer hours a year by the year 2000. Our people helped launch 14 new Elfun chapters in 11 sites around the world. They volunteered on hundreds of projects. They are having a tremendous impact in their communities.

“For 1999, GE Capital’s community service goal is for associates in every GE Capital business and location to initiate community-based projects,” she added. “We hope to lead GE’s million-hour effort and to help our communities and our neighbors in specific, constructive ways.”

At GE Insurance Holdings (GEIH) near London, the work in an impoverished area of Brentford, including a community center and an elementary school, continues to expand. “Our people have nearly adopted Lionel Primary School,” reported Emma Tamblingson, community development officer.

GE Capital employees in Mexico have donated money and equipment to the Casa de la Amistad in Mexico City, which provides support for children with cancer. This is one of many drawings the children created to say thank you to the employees for their help and support.

"In fact, instead of spending money on holiday greeting cards, GE Financial Assurance, which is based in GEIH, bought school sweaters for every student. You can see straightaway the increased pride these children have in their school."

Since GEIH got involved, children in the area are now playing football, attending camps and participating in youth clubs. The goal is to prevent crime and reduce drug use. In addition, an area shelter for abused women and children is now receiving help from other companies, thanks to GE’s lead.

“Our employees’ volunteer work is changing lives. This is what keeps them moving forward. When they launch a project, they forget their roles at the office and work side-by-side. They are focused on helping someone else and that’s a good experience for everyone,” Tamblingson added.

In Mexico, GE Capital employees and Elfun societies have raised more than $10,000 to help an orphanage in the state of Puebla. Other GE businesses and their employees, including GE Appliances and GE Lighting, have donated another $20,000 in cash plus equipment to “Casa de la Amistad” in Mexico City, which provides support for children with cancer.

“Our people are motivated to help children who have no economic potential to afford this treatment,” explained Juan Manuel Contreras at GE Mexico. “Several children have returned to their communities and are leading normal lives.”