Elon University Los Angeles launched a commitment to community service last year, which has since served to both immerse students into the community and culture of LA, as well as giving back to those in need.
Elon University Los Angeles students have embraced community service, engaging in meaningful volunteer work with two critical nonprofit efforts: Hollywood Food Coalition and the MultiCon Benefit.
“It was great to be a part of two different opportunities to help the Los Angeles community after the devastation of the wildfires, and I look forward to helping as much as I can while I’m here,” said student Reilly Galloway ’25.
Elon University Los Angeles launched a commitment to community service last year, which has since served to both immerse students into the community and culture of LA, as well as giving back to those in need. This semester’s efforts have focused on services for people impacted by the recent wildfires and those challenged by homelessness and food depravity.
More than a meal
Students volunteered at the Hollywood Food Coalition to serve up dinner and conversation with residents of the community. Upon arrival, students were welcomed by the warm, welcoming faces of the Hollywood Food Coalition team and a mix of volunteers. The majority of the volunteers were seasoned regulars, so they immediately embraced their roles as mentors.This generosity of spirit set the tone for the evening. Students quickly and efficiently set up an assembly line system preparing packaged meals.
The Hollywood Food Coalition offers those in need more than a meal. There are also donated clothing and other items available. As the line of people in need began to form, students enthusiastically went to work.
Macy Mills, the program assistant for Elon University Los Angeles, was stationed with two male students at the clothing distribution area.
“We only had women’s clothing available, which required us to get a little creative in making the items appealing,” said Mills. “It became clear that the individuals we were serving needed more than just a meal—many looked forward to connection. I had the pleasure of engaging in conversations with those who came through the clothing station. One woman, delighted by the compliment I gave her on her nails, shared the sparkly marker she used to create the design.”
By the end of the night, volunteers felt a deep sense of fulfillment.
“There was a gentleman who, after trying on some clothing, expressed interest in visiting colleges in North Carolina one day and asked for tips,” said Mills. “One of the most moving moments of the night was hearing a gentleman announce that he had finally secured an apartment for his puppy and him, as a result, he announced they would see less of them at the food service.”
It was a humbling experience for them that reinforced the importance of community and empathy in the face of adversity. This experience was a powerful reminder of the difference that small acts of kindness can make.
“A new perspective emerged for many of us: the people we were helping were not to be feared,” Mills said. “Despite the visible signs of distress in some of the individuals, the reality was that none of them showed signs of aggression. They were simply people in need, just like the rest of us, seeking help in the best way they knew how.”
More than just an industry
Elon University Los Angeles students also had the opportunity of volunteering at the MultiCon Benefit event, held at the Elon in LA home base The Preserve. It was an extraordinary gathering held to raise funds for United Way LA, in support of the recovery of Los Angeles and its residents in the wake of the devastating wildfires.
The event, organized in just 30 days by Hollywood executive Michael Tessler, proved to be an exceptional feat of coordination, featuring a star-studded lineup of celebrities in panel discussions and other activities with attendees. It served as a testament to the power of community and collaboration.
“Los Angeles is the greatest city in the world and our resilience knows no bounds,” said Tessler. “As we recover and rebuild, we will do so through the power of community, imagination and storytelling.”
Joining Tessler’s Multihouse Productions in the execution of the event was the Bond Companies, owners of The Preserve property. The joint venture raised funds from ticket sales, celebrity signings, photo opportunities and a silent auction. First responders and those displaced by the wildfires were offered complimentary tickets, autographs and photos, an important gesture that underscored the event’s commitment to community healing.
“Everyone knows someone whose life was turned upside down from the wildfires. We have planned this event to not only raise funds to help those in need, but to also provide an opportunity for people to start the healing process,” said Larry Bond, chairman of Bond Companies.
The Elon University Los Angeles students volunteered in a variety of roles, from assisting with the silent auction and autographs to helping usher at panel discussions, all while engaging with guests and helping to ensure a smooth operation. The opportunity to interact with celebrities and industry professionals was an added highlight for all of them.
“The pillars of giving are time, talent and treasure, and watching people come together at MultiCon to give all three to help everyone hurt by the fires was awesome,” said student Adam Alkins ’25. “I now have a lot more respect for the actors, filmmakers, and content creators that participated.”
The panels were a major draw for attendees, with some of the biggest names in the comic book world, television and voice acting participating in insightful discussions. The students eagerly took photos and videos with their favorite stars, gaining valuable insights from the creators behind The Walking Dead, Deadpool, and Star Wars. The interaction between the students and the celebrity talent showcased the power of storytelling and how it unites people across different communities.
Students left the event with both a sense of fulfillment from their volunteerism and with an overwhelming appreciation for the scale and success of the MultiCon benefit. It was an inspiring reminder of the ways in which people from all walks of life can come together to support a shared cause, especially when that cause is as urgent as helping a community rebuild after a disaster.
“We’re more than just an industry,” Tessler said. “We’re a community of working-class dreamers and doers who care for one another and will roll up their sleeves when our neighbors need help.”
Elon University Los Angeles students are proud to now to be a members of that community.