Armenian National Committee of Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown MA 02472
617-926-1918
anca.ma@anca.org

For Information contact: 617-926-1918 or anc.ma@anca.org
January 27, 2009

Watertown Area residents participate in ANCA "Cans for the Cause" initiative
to help Food Pantry
— Grassroots Effort Organized in Honor of U.S. Humanitarian Relief for
Armenian Genocide Survivors
— US Representative Edward Markey Commends Effort

Watertown, MA – Approximately 1000 food items were delivered to the
Watertown Food Pantry today as part of the Armenian National Committee "Cans
for the Cause" campaign during National Day of Service activities
spearheaded by President Barack Obama, reported the Armenian National
Committee (ANC) of Massachusetts.

The local initiative, a joint effort led by the Watertown-based Armenian
National Committee and Armenian Relief Society, reached out to the Armenian
American community to help provide much needed food items for the Watertown
Food Pantry’s work to feed the hungry.

The local effort was one of over 20 campaigns in cites across the US in
honor of U.S. humanitarian assistance efforts for survivors of the Armenian
Genocide from 1915-1923. American assistance to Armenian populations
devastated in Turkey during the Armenian Genocide represented the first
American Red Cross foreign humanitarian assistance campaigns and was
instrumental in saving countless lives.

"The Armenian American community came out in the great spirit put forth by
President Obama – a spirit of service and of giving back, a spirit that
provided for survivors of the Armenian genocide a century ago," said ANC of
Massachusetts representative Ara Nazarian.

The Watertown Food Pantry has been particularly busy as economic times have
hit local residents hard. In receiving the donation, Deb Kaup of the
Watertown Food Pantry highlighted the important role that community groups
play in ending hunger in our neighborhoods. "Thank you very much," said
Kaup. Local community organizations have been very helpful and "it makes a
big difference."

The effort was also praised by US Representative Edward Markey (D-MA), who
represents Watertown. "I commend the tremendous response of the Armenian
National Committee and the Armenian Relief Society to President Obama’s call
to a National Day of Service with their participation in the "Cans for the
Cause" drive across Massachusetts and the United States. I am pleased that
the members of the Armenian National Committee and the Armenian Relief
Society chose to give back to their community in a way that honors the
legacy of U.S. humanitarian assistance to Armenians during the darkest
chapter of their history, the Armenian Genocide."

Armenian American organizations and individuals from throughout the area
participated in the week long effort. The members of the Greater Boston
Armenian Youth Federation chapter brought canned goods to their January
meeting last week.

Armenian-American businesses also contributed to the effort. Family-owned
Masis Bakery, Sevan Bakery, and Eastern Lehmejun, all made substantial
contributions.

For more information about the national effort visit the ANCA website,
, or the ANCA Facebook page.

The Armenian National Committee is the largest Armenian American grassroots
political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANC actively advances the concerns of
the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues

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Caption: Cans for the Cause food items packed up and ready for delivery to
the Watertown Food Pantry