AYF Encourages Community Participation During “Little Armenia” Clean-U

5th Annual Clean-Up Effort Aims To Beautify Street Of Hollywood

Los Angeles- The Armenian Youth Federation of the Western United States announced today that preparations are well underway for the 5th annual “Little Armenia Clean-Up”; scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 7th. The clean-up, entitled “AYF Gives Back to Little Armenia,” is a large scale beautification effort undertaken in the “Little Armenia” district of Hollywood.

The clean-up effort, co sponsored by Los Angeles City Councilmember Eric Garcetti and co-organized with the joint efforts of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, St Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, ARF Karekin Njdeh Gomideh and Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter, aims to beautify the streets of this region of Hollywood. Over five hundred participants are anticipated to gather at 8:30 am at 1615 N. Alexandria Ave. in Hollywood to kick off the event with statements from community organizations and elected officials. The participants will then split into groups in order to canvas the area and remove litter from city streets and sidewalks, remove graffiti, uproot weeds and plant trees. In past years the City of Los Angeles Sanitation Department estimated that more than 23,000 pounds of trash were removed as a result of volunteers’ efforts. Additionally, in conjunction with the clean-up and in cooperation with local businesses, the AYF also plans to erect about 40 “Welcome to Little Armenia” light post banners throughout the area.

The event was first organized as a way to give back to the local community and the City of Los Angeles in appreciation of the city’s designation of the Little Armenia neighborhood. Little Armenia is home to a large Armenian population has historically been a way-station for Armenians immigrating to the Los Angeles area. “The Armenian- American community is honored to have an area of Los Angeles designated as Little Armenia and the AYF feels it is our duty as Armenian-Americans and Angelinos to reciprocate this gesture” said AYF Central Executive member Shant Melkonian.

The AYF counts on the support of the Armenian American community to make this event a success. Those who are interested in volunteering or contributing to this event should email AYF@AYFwest.org or call our offices at 818.507.1933

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our past and motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian youth.