On July 18, 2026, a 12-member volunteer force from the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International conducted a neighborhood cleanup in Hollywood, California, combining litter collection with distribution of The Way to Happiness booklets. The effort, part of an ongoing community initiative spanning over eight years, aimed to demonstrate positive action based on L. Ron Hubbard’s moral code.
Volunteers began by cleaning along Franklin Avenue westbound and then south to Hollywood Boulevard. After switching from cleanup tools to booklet distribution, they engaged with tourists and shopkeepers. One man selling bus tour tickets recognized the booklet, stating he had read it while in prison and found it calming. A coffee shop employee became so enthusiastic after receiving the booklet that she requested a stack for her counter.
Near an underpass beside a historic church, an SUV driver rolled down her window to commend the volunteers, calling them “awesome.” Another recipient, a local resident, expressed appreciation and agreed the area needed improvement. Security guard Mike took two booklets, while Glen from the Hollywood Partnership—which cleans Hollywood Boulevard daily—thanked the team and mentioned the film “Pay It Forward.” Volunteers gave him two booklets, one to keep and one to pass along.
Nick Kurtz, the cleanup in-charge, distributed bundles of a dozen booklets each, approaching people by asking if they liked to help others. He explained the booklet’s principles—helping parents, loving children, and being a good neighbor—and encouraged recipients to share copies. A family from Riverside accepted bundles before driving off, and a woman initially suspicious of Kurtz’s intentions later took a bundle happily.
The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International has donated these booklets for local cleanups for over eight years. Hubbard, who founded the Scientology religion, wrote in the booklet, “Happiness lies in engaging in worthwhile activities” and “That is my wish for you.” The event underscores ongoing community engagement efforts by the Church in Hollywood.
