Elon Students Serve Up Compassion: Feeding the Hungry in Hollywood

As members of the Elon University Los Angeles program, the students are encouraged to see themselves not just as visitors, but as active participants in the community's efforts to support those in need.

Empowering the Community, One Meal at a Time

Hands-on Approach to Combating Food Insecurity

Elon University Los Angeles students recently participated in a meaningful service day with the Hollywood Food Coalition, demonstrating their commitment to making a tangible difference in the local community. This collaboration allowed the students to directly engage with the coalition's broader mission of addressing food insecurity in Los Angeles, going beyond the role of mere observers.The students dove into their tasks with enthusiasm, working together to assemble an impressive 2,100 lunch bags. From making sandwiches to packaging sweet treats, the students' volunteer efforts resulted in a substantial impact, ensuring that those in need received nourishing meals on Sunday afternoon.

Fostering a Sense of Community Involvement

The service day provided a valuable opportunity for the Elon students to witness the importance of community engagement and the profound impact that even small acts of service can have. As members of the Elon University Los Angeles program, the students were encouraged to see themselves as active participants in the community's efforts, rather than just temporary visitors."Picturing the smiling faces on those who we helped made my day a lot brighter and made me feel more fulfilled in my time here in Los Angeles," shared Braxton Mayhew, a member of the Class of 2026.The students' dedication and teamwork were evident as they created an efficient assembly line, becoming a well-oiled machine by the end of their shift. Beyond meal preparation, the students also assisted with the distribution of the packed meals to various foundations, helping to ensure a seamless and organized process.

Lasting Impressions and Continued Engagement

The service day left a lasting impression on the Elon students, who recognized the significance of giving back to a community across the country from their own. Seamus Lappin, also a member of the Class of 2026, expressed, "Being able to give back to a community across the country from where I live is an experience I'll never forget."The impact of the service day extended beyond the students themselves, as evidenced by the continued involvement of Elon alumna Michaela Zusmann, Class of 2023. Zusmann, who volunteered alongside the current students, highlighted the importance of remaining engaged with the local community, even after graduation."It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the Elon University Los Angeles program while also supporting my new local community in Hollywood," said Zusmann. "I look forward to finding more impactful ways to contribute, not only within the local community, but also to the Elon University Los Angeles program."Zusmann's commitment to ongoing service underscores the lasting influence that the Elon University Los Angeles program can have on its participants, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact in the communities they encounter.