Los Angeles, CA – Hundreds of Armenian youth gathered in Little Armenia Saturday providing their volunteer service to the AYFís 2nd Annual Little Armenia Cleanup. Volunteers from all over Southern California and even Fresno helped remove thousands of pounds of trash from major streets in Little Armenia.

Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation and cosponsored by Los Angeles City Councilmember Eric Garcettiís Office, the cleanup attracted volunteers from the public at large and community organizations such as the AYF, Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter, and the ARF Badanegan Organization.

Before the clean up began Reverend Father Vicken Vassilian representing his Grace Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy Armenian Church, blessed both the effort of the AYF and the volunteersí willingness to serve the community.

Los Angeles City 13th District Councilmember Eric Garcetti thanked the volunteers for their efforts and welcomed the initiative of both the volunteers and the AYF. Relaying the AYF Central Executiveís message, Razmig Haroun encouraged the youth to display their ownership of Little Armenia by increasing their involvement in the improvement of the community.

“The AYF strives to serve the Armenian nation and Armenian people by every possible means at its disposal,” said Shant Baboujian, Chairman of the AYF Western Region. “The Little Armenia Cleanup is one of many such projects to make this home away from home more reflective both of the Armenian people and our homeland.”

In the coming weeks 24 “Welcome to Little Armenia” light-post banners will be added to the existing 39 erected last year. With the depiction of the Tri-color, Sardarabad Monument, and Mount Ararat; banners have added a touch of Armenia to the community.

The Armenian Youth Federation would like to thank the volunteers and the official sponsors of the Little Armenia Clean Up, without whom the event would not have been the success that it was. Adin of California, Asbarez Daily Armenian Newspaper, Arbat Grocery & Deli, Horizon Armenian Television, Nor Hayastan Daily Newspaper, USA Armenian Life Magazine, Closet World, Color Depot, Donoyan Insurance Agency, St. Vincent Jewelry Center, Carpet Show, Jons Market, Eric Garcettiís Office and staff, and the A.R.F. Hollywood Karekin Njteh Gomideh, played a fundamental role in the success of this public service effort.