ARS of Eastern US

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Share the Love

Support those who are struggling with food insecurities. 

Hot Meal Program

The ARS of Eastern USA recognizes the vital importance of supporting disadvantaged communities, particularly those in Lebanon and Syria, who continue to face significant challenges due to ongoing economic instability. By sponsoring two months of hot meals ($12,000), the ARS not only provides essential nourishment but also offers a sense of hope and relief to individuals and families in these regions. This initiative serves as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to uplifting Armenian communities, ensuring that even in the face of hardship, basic needs are met, and the spirit of unity and compassion prevails.


Monthly costs of the program is $3,000 for each location

 

Hot Meal Program

To celebrate the month of Love, the Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA has launched its “Share the Love” Fundraising Campaign in the month of February, to collect donations in support of the “Hot Meal Program” for the Armenian community of Lebanon and Syria.

Through the Hot Meal Program, volunteers at the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon (ARCL) and the Armenian Relief Cross of Syria (ARCS) prepare hot meals for community members who are struggling to put food on their tables.  In Lebanon, the ARCL serves 800 meals to community members once a week, and in Syria, the ARCS provides 350 meals to community members, twice a week.
 
“We are urging community members to share their love in the month of February by making a donation to empower and uplift community members in Lebanon and Syria during these uncertain times,” remarked Caroline Chamavonian, Chairperson of the ARS of Eastern USA. “Please join our campaign and financially support our fundraiser, so we can fulfill our critically important humanitarian mission and to help community members struggling with hunger in this time of crisis,” she continued.  
 
Individuals are encouraged to donate to the program on the ARS of Eastern USA’s website. 
 
The “Hot Meal Program” (Պնակ Մը Կերակուր | Benag Muh Geragoor) was first conducted in 1942, under the leadership of Chavo Shant, Chairwoman of ARCL (wife of Armenian playwright and founder of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, Levon Shant). The program initially provided meals to Armenian students in Lebanon who came from disadvantaged families. For several decades thereafter, members of the ARS have made a commitment to respond to the needs of individuals struggling with food insecurity during times of uncertainty, in different parts of the world. During and after the civil war in Syria, ARS of Eastern USA provided financial support to the ARCS who had adopted the program to serve hot meals to struggling community members and to the ARCL which provides meals to the people of Lebanon as they continue to face economical and political instability in their country.  

Photos from Lebanon

Volunteers at the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon (ARCL) serve hot meals to 800 community members once a week. 

 

Photos from Syria

Volunteers at the Armenian Relief Cross of Syria (ARCS) serve hot meals to 350 community members, twice a week.