The holiday season is a time for sharing, caring, being with family and friends, spreading good cheer, and giving back — and that’s exactly what happened during the Thanksgiving break at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) Los Angeles this season.
This November, the New York Film Academy’s Office of Community Outreach hosted a delicious, traditional, family-style Thanksgiving dinner for over 50 NYFA students who happened to be on campus the night before Thanksgiving, and wanted to share a hearty meal with friends both new and old.
The event was hosted in the rotunda in the Riverside Building decorated in warm fall colors, and open to the entire student population. Therefore, RSVP’s were essential. There was lots of love in the room, with students from all parts of the world able to fellowship and partake in the warm meal. For some students, it was the first time sharing in the American tradition of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, fresh homemade pumpkin and apple pie with all the fixings.
The dinner was also a thank you to students who participated with NYFA C.A.R.E.S. in a volunteer orientation at LA Family Housing (LAFH) to serve food to families in need over the holiday. LAFH helps people transition out of homelessness and poverty by providing a continuum of housing enriched with supportive services.
Over the holidays, as well as throughout the year, LAFH accept donations to “adopt a family” by providing household goods and gift cards, as well as “meal sponsorship,” providing food to over 250 adults transitioning out of homelessness.
“Through NYFA C.A.R.E.S. its our goal to not only think about our those less fortunate over the holidays, but throughout the year,” says Mason Richards, NYFA Community Outreach Chair. “It’s our plan to have NYFA students continue to volunteer throughout the upcoming year. We’re slated to volunteer during the month of December and beyond. It’s always a good feeling to connect with others and really feel a part of a community.”
To learn more about volunteer opportunities through NYFA C.A.R.E.S. contact: caresla@nyfa.edu.