Students in the “Gateway to Business Los Angeles” course participated in a day of service on Jan. 15 at the Hollywood Food Coalition.
Thirteen Elon students enrolled in the Winter Term “Gateway to Business in Los Angeles” course helped prepare and serve community members in need at the Hollywood Food Coalition in Los Angeles as part of their observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15.
The Hollywood Food Coalition is the longest-running program in Los Angeles serving meals each night to those who lack access to food. The program also offers medical and vision services on site and assists in referrals for social services.
Jill Klein, the nonprofit organization’s volunteer coordinator, said the coalition’s staff was grateful for the Elon group’s hard work and generosity and were delighted by the energy and goodwill of the Elon students. “Whenever you’re back in L.A., please join us again,” she told the class.
Led by Alyssa Martina, executive director of Elon’s Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, students helped prepare and serve over 220 meals. “I’m so proud of our students,” Martina said. “It was gratifying to work alongside them in a day of service to honor the legacy of the Dr. King.”
Student Reflections
- “It was a humbling experience and a good reminder to be grateful for what we have. I’m glad I had this opportunity to do some good on MLK Jr. Day.” – Morgan Lynch ’26, a marketing major from Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
- “It was great to see behind-the-scenes of a food bank as well as all of the people who dedicate their lives to service.” – Shriya Baru ’24, an accounting major from Cary, North Carolina.
“Gateway to Business in Los Angeles” is a 22-day Study USA course designed to enrich students with business and entrepreneurial experiences. Students interact with local leaders and visit companies as part of the program.