ARS Social Services Distributes 300 Turkeys and Holiday Meals
The Social Services Department of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA, capped off its weeks-long community outreach events with a day-long turkey and groceries distribution on November 25, 2025, at the organization’s headquarters in Glendale, California. As food insecurity continues to affect disadvantaged communities, ARS Social Services sought to close the gap, working with area schools and donors to ensure a happy, healthy holiday for all.
Starting at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, clients and community members waited patiently at ARS headquarters to receive free turkeys and bags of shelf-stable grocery items assembled by staff and volunteers. A delivery of 150 turkeys, generously provided by Shamsi Law Firm, coupled with thousands of pounds of rice, lentils, beans, canned goods and other items collected by area Armenian school students, ensured that hundreds of needy community members could find joy in the Thanksgiving holiday. These items were collected by students at C&E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical, Holy Martyrs Mary Cabayan Elementary, and Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian Schools.
ARS Social Services began its distribution and outreach efforts with a donation of turkeys and groceries provided by Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) on November 13th at the Altadena Community Center, followed by a turkey distribution event organized by LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis (1st District) at City Terrace Park in Los Angeles on November 21st. With over 300 clients and community members seeking food assistance for the holiday season, these additional donations, along with a distribution event organized by the St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale on Wednesday, November 19, ensured that all those in need received assistance.
ARS Social Services offices were first established in 1979. ARS of Western USA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides comprehensive, no-cost social and mental health services to underserved communities. If you would like to make a donation for social services, metal health services or other local programs, please make a donation at the following link: https://arswestusa.org/donate/ selecting your desired option with a down-arrow at “Where can we designate your gift?” or mail your check directly to: ARS of Western USA, 517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202-2812 and indicate social services on the memo field.
About the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA
Founded in New York in 1910, the Armenian Relief Society is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, philanthropic organization dedicated to serving the humanitarian, social, and educational needs of Armenians and others in the community. The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA was officially established in Glendale, California in 1984, although individual ARS chapters on the West Coast were established much earlier, starting with Fresno (1915) and Los Angeles (1918).
Today, 24 chapters in California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas are part of the ARS-WUSA make up the region with over 1,200 members. The headquarters are located in Glendale, California with social services and mental health offices. The region operates a day care and 11 one-day schools. Scholarships are provided to graduating high school seniors, and university students.
Through its social and mental health services, youth programs, and cultural initiatives, ARS of Western USA continues to empower generations to serve with compassion, resilience, and purpose.