Never has intercepting poverty been so important to Cal defensive back Elijah Hicks.

The rising senior established his own non-profit called Intercept Poverty last year to help college students in need. With that same spirit of altruism, Hicks has partnered with another non-profit, No Kid Hungry, to help raise money for low-income families during the COVID-19 crisis.

"When this came out and I saw all the schools shutting down, I knew there would be a lot of struggling parents out there that all of a sudden had to stay home and wouldn't have time to prepare for it," Hicks said. "A lot of people wouldn't get paid sick leave and would have to file for unemployment. With all the chaos going on in the world, at least we can find a way to have a positive impact on someone's life. I'm just glad during this crazy time that we can help some families out."

Within 48 hours of collegiate sports being shut down across the country, Hicks came up with the idea to solicit the platform of teammates and fellow Pac-12 student-athletes to make the case to help those less fortunate during the coronavirus outbreak. Roommate and teammate Camryn Bynum and former teammate Ashtyn Davis, as well as players such as Washington's Myles Bryant and Keith Taylor, Oregon's Jevon Holland, Utah's Terrell Burgess and former Notre Dame receiver Chase Claypool all taped video messages asking the public to help. Hicks put the footage together and posted it on social media.

"He came downstairs and said, 'I need you to make a video real quick'," Bynum said. "Whenever he comes up with ideas, he pops out of his room and talks to me about it. I expect stuff like this from him at this point. He's brainstormed so many different ideas. He just wants to find a way to help people."

All donations related to Hicks' campaign go directly to No Kid Hungry, whose mission is to end childhood hunger across the country. One hundred percent of the money raised by Hicks' program will be overseen by the organization.

"We're so inspired by Elijah's willingness to get involved and help kids," said Jessica Bomberg, Associate Director of Peer-To-Peer Fundraising at No Kid Hungry. "We believe that everyone has a strength to share and can do their part to make a big impact in their own community and nationwide. Elijah is a great example of that."

Intercept Poverty was born from firsthand experience. Growing up with 10 siblings in Long Beach, Hicks and his family didn't always have a lot of resources at their disposal. Hicks recognizes his football ability earned him the opportunities he has now at the No. 1 public university in the world, but acknowledges the majority of people in similar situations may not be blessed with the same fortunes.

Hicks started the non-profit to aid college students in need. He volunteers at the Basic Needs Center on campus.

"If I was at home right now, I'd be struggling to find food because we really don't have that much money," Hicks said. "I understand the things people did to help my family, and it made me feel like I want to help. To get to this point, I've had so many people help me."

When Hicks started thinking of ways to help during the COVID-19 crisis, he spent a lot of time on the phone with his dad, Tony. That helped him flesh out the idea, which he then passed on to his athletic counterparts.

"I understand the platform student-athletes have," Hicks said. "What better way to get some teammates and fellow players around the Pac who I respect to come together for a certain cause and do this for low-income families. I thought it would be pretty powerful."

Hicks' original goal was to raise $10,000, which was met after only a few days. Nearly $11,000 has now been donated, and Hicks hopes to get to the $20,000 mark.

"We're very impressed by Elijah and his athletic community coming together to raise their voices and stand up for kids," Bomberg said. "They're helping to prove that when we come together, we can make a bigger impact. Young heroes like Elijah give us hope for a future where no kid is hungry."
 
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