Newborns of Artsakh received their first gifts prepared by the "Anna Astvatsaturian" foundation

To honor and support the heroic, inspiring, and strong people of Artsakh who choose to raise future generations in their Homeland։ this idea inspired Anna Astvatsaturian to initiate the creation of gift boxes for newborns born to families in Artsakh.

On June 1, the International Children's Day, as a result of the long work carried out by "Anna Astvatsaturian" Foundation , the "Ser Artsakh" charity program was launched. The project has become a reality through the efforts of our compatriots living in Diaspora and Armenia. Each donation was used purposefully and thanks to that today, at the Stepanakert Center for Maternal and Child Health 16 children received first gifts in their lives.

"I was moved to tears when I saw the photos of parents at the moment of receiving the gift boxes, with those bright smiles and shining eyes, " says Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte and adds,"After all the difficulties that our Artsakh went through, it was very important for me to bring warmth with this initiative to those families that don’t give in and continue to live, dream within the walls of their own home".

All the items included in the gift boxes are high quality Armenian products, purchased in Armenia and Artsakh. Each box includes onesies, pajama sets, sleeping sacks, towels and blankets; care essentials like diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, thermometer and pacifier; as well as maternity hygiene necessities for the new mother. The boxes will also include gifts like a custom-made soft baby book and a wooden wheeled toy all made in the Homeland.

Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte is an American-Armenian writer, philanthropist, lawyer, elected official, president of the Westbrook City council and the president of the "Anna Astvatsaturian" foundation. Anna also is an author of a book "Nowhere, a Story of Exile, 2012" based on her diaries which she wrote as an 11 year old child escaping the Baku massacres. In 2013 Anna spearheaded a successful recognition of Artsakh at the state of Maine legislature. Since then Astvatsaturian Turcotte has implemented a number of charitable programs in Armenia and Artsakh. In 2020 she founded the Anna Astvatsaturian Charitable Foundation. One of the fund's major projects is the "Artsakh War 2020: Losses, Challenges - Opportunities for resistance development" survey conducted after the 44-day war.