This week, more than 420 volunteers from GE Capital are rolling up their sleeves to participate in the 15th annual GE Capital Week of Caring at the headquarters of Family & Children’s Aid (FCA) in Danbury.
During the week, GE volunteers will help tackle some of the not-for-profit’s biggest maintenance projects – everything from gardening and painting to digging ditches. In years past, projects have included installing new appliances and playground equipment, constructing new walkways, and building a two-bedroom addition onto one of FCA’s group homes.
“This event allows us to redirect tens of thousands of dollars away from maintenance expenses annually and put them towards supporting the programs and services that matter most to the children and families of Fairfield County,” said Kevin McNellis, director of operations with FCA. “Every year we put together a wish list of projects with GE and we wonder how we’ll get it all done, but every year GE delivers and then some.”
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Charlene Giacin, a GE Capital executive and volunteer who initiated the first event with FCA 15 years ago added, “We are very proud of the work we have accomplished for the children and families who rely on FCA, and we are so thankful for the overwhelming and ongoing support of our volunteers and the FCA staff. It is incredibly rewarding to give back to an organization that works tirelessly to transform children’s lives and build strong families throughout our community.”
FCA was founded in 1809 and offers a refuge for abused and neglected children across Connecticut. On top of offering food, clothing and shelter, FCA currently operates neighborhood-style group home programs serving Connecticut's most disadvantaged children. In addition, FCA offers outpatient programs, in-home services and a summer camp.
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Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton was on hand to address volunteers at Tuesday’s kick-off event. Also, Tom Quindlen, president and CEO of GE Capital, Corporate Finance, headquartered in Danbury and one of the city’s largest employers, presented a $45,000 donation to Dr. Jennings, medical and executive director of the FCA.
In the past 15 years, over 4,200 local GE volunteers have donated more than 34,000 man hours and completed 317 projects throughout the FCA campus.
