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Amid the devastation caused by recent wildfires in Southern California, students in a Winter Term “Gateway to Business” course spent Martin Luther King Jr. Day volunteering at a food and clothing bank serving residents of Los Angeles.

While distributing meals and supplies for clients of the Hollywood Food Coalition, students encountered what they described as powerful examples of resilience and community spirit— especially in the face of ongoing wildfires.

“It wasn’t just about providing meals—it was about offering empathy and connection,” said Lila Garuti ’28, a marketing major from Guilford, Conn. “A simple smile and compliments reminded me that small gestures can mean so much.”

The is Los Angeles’ longest-running program offering daily meals, as well as blankets, clothing, and hygiene kits to guests. Volunteers emphasize that the Coalition aims not only to meet immediate needs but also to foster a sense of connection during difficult times.

“A volunteer explained that many people who come here aren’t necessarily unhoused but are working professionals trying to make ends meet,” said Tom Oligino ’28, an international business and economics major from Westfield, N.J. “Seeing someone in business attire pick up a meal on their way home reminded me that we don’t always know the full story of someone’s situation.”

Despite the challenges posed by wildfires in the region, the students in Assistant Professor Alyssa Martina’s class discovered people expressing hope and determination. While some guests mentioned worrying about air quality or potential evacuations, at the same time, they also spoke of rebuilding.

The students said they also learned that many guests lacked reliable access to information about the fires. Many live without phones or television.

“Talking with someone who was unaware of how bad the fires had become really hit me,” said James Nicolas, an international business major from Madrid, Spain. “It reminded me not to take basic things for granted—like knowing what’s going on around you. Even a few words of kindness can mean the world to someone in a tough situation.”

“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.

“For the past three years, I’ve have taken students to the Hollywood Food Coalition to honor the tremendous legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. This year was especially poignant due to the wildfires that devastated many neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and which highlighted how through crisis or tragedy any of us could become unhoused,” said Alyssa Martina, assistant professor of management. “I’m grateful to the tremendous team of HoFoCo who make us always feel so welcome as well as to my ten students who took part in this day of service and who demonstrated for those less fortunate, regardless of the circumstances,  incredible, kindness, empathy and compassion.”