Young Armenian “Heros” Save the Community

Eva Mavyan and Sara Sousani

The word "heros" in Latin is imbued with the sense of courage required to undertake the colossal issues faced within communities such as poverty, homelessness, and abandonment.
The "Heros" Humanitarian Foundation is an organization brought together and bonded by a passion to help alleviate the difficulties some people face in their lives, and they require help in order to continue to work towards helping others find their way to a brighter tomorrow.

A group of friends from Glendale, California were brought together by a common ideology—helping people. Combining their works and efforts, each member of the group contributed to the community individually, creating the basis for the nonprofit organization to grow. The "Heros" Humanitarian Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that has already brought smiles to many faces.

Their first event was a toy drive that provided toys to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. They collected over 300 toys, which were all donated by members of their community, particularly the youth who wanted to lend a helping hand. This was the start of many successful events to come.

Last month, the "Heros" Humanitarian Foundation teamed up with the Armenian National Committee of America in response to President Barack Obama’s call to service. The "Heros" Humanitarian Foundation provided one of two drop off locations in Glendale to collect canned foods for the Cans for the Cause Campaign. Within a week of commencing collections, they managed to collect over 1,200 food items weighing in at 1,068 pounds of food, which were all donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

In response to the outpour of help from the community, Suren Hazarian, President and Co-founder of the "Heros" Humanitarian Foundation said, "We are dedicated to the objective that the community can and will make an impact in the lives of others. If it wasn’t for the outstanding support and encouragement from our community, this drive would not have been such a success. The success of our local effort shows just how much we can accomplish when compassionate people work together to make a difference."

Hazarian is one of many young adults who has wanted to always make a difference in the lives of others and has embarked on this opportunity to do so by founding this organization and taking a call to action.

With two events successfully under their belt, they are currently promoting their Inaugural Gala, an event that will enable them to raise funds to support numerous future events including a Feed the Homeless event and Community Clean-up scheduled to take place in the spring. The Inaugural Gala will take place on February 28, 2009 at a local restaurant/bar called Notte Luna located at 113 North Maryland Avenue in Glendale. With Mediterranean food on the menu, including an option for drinks and hookah, the night promises to be as festive as it is rewarding. Tickets will be sold at the door for $15 each and all ticket proceeds will be donated to the foundation. It is also encouraged that people bring toys, which will all be collected and used for a future toy drive to be held in March.

As a nonprofit organization, they rely strictly on donations; therefore, they encourage all to participate in this event and show their support. The foundation is always looking for any support and sponsors they can potentially recruit.

The organization has also recently sent out many letters with pledge forms asking for tax-deductible donations. The donations made will all be used towards bringing bright smiles to children’s faces and towards providing warm meals to the homeless and less fortunate.

The leaders of "Heros" feel that by joining this group you are not only showing your support, you are also being a part of a movement—a movement that will help raise awareness. You are realizing that there are people out there who need your help, and it doesn’t matter whether your support is through volunteerism, donations or committed support.

On their Facebook page, they ask that you reflect upon the many comforts of your own lives and "take a minute to think about the millions of people out there who have never had a proper meal, never heard the words of a person who cared, or never felt the warmth of a bed. It’s about time we not only see some change but help make these changes. Humanity has lost its heart please don’t let it lose its hope," reinforcing their mantra of "Striving for the Restoration of Humanity Through Mind, Body, and Soul."

Although the foundation is a fledgling organization, they have had a successful beginning, and now need the help of other well-wishing, compassionate individuals who have a desire to do work within their communities and lend a helping hand. By combining efforts, "Heros" has the potential to flourish into an organization that can help many more in need.

The "Heros" Humanitarian Foundation welcomes donations, volunteers, and ideas, as well as readers’ inquiries about their organization and future events. Individuals interested in contacting the organization can do so via their Facebook page, as well as email at HerosFoundation@gmail.com. Additionally, to speak directly to the President, readers may call (323) 806-2777, or contact the Secretary at (818) 523-7676.