Have you ever heard it said, “It is better to give than to receive?”

Editor’s Note: Elijah McAllister has a foundation that is seeking donations to support a back-to-school Supply Drive in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Clubs in Auburn-Opelika.  The goal is to raise $5,000 to support 100 children in need. A link to donate can be found at the end of this story.  Thank you. 

Elijah McAllister, the Auburn Tigers’ newest defensive end, understood it is better to give than receive at an early age and his life exemplifies it today. Raised in the church with a servant’s heart, McAllister learned to love people and serve others, and although only 23 years old, he has made it a priority in his life.   

He arrived in Auburn by way of the NCAA Transfer Portal after spending five seasons at Vanderbilt University.  During his time in Nashville, he earned his bachelor’s degree in medicine, health and society with a double minor in business and psychology and completed his master’s degree in education for learning, diversity and urban studies.   

Two degrees in five years while playing Division I football is impressive but add that Elijah found time to establish and fund the All 4:1 and 1 for All Foundation, and his accomplishments are remarkable.   

How did he do it?  

Elijah is a giver. Adam Grant says it best in his best-selling book, Give and Take, when he dives into human nature in the workplace and divides professionals into those who give and those who take.  “Givers,” Grant writes, “are a rare breed. They tilt reciprocity in the other direction preferring to give more than they get.” Spend just a little bit of time with this mountain of a man, and you’ll see his tender heart behind his huge smile and quickly learn Elijah gives more than he gets.  He stands for everything the Auburn Creed calls us to.  

Elijah works hard and believes in keeping a routine and schedules his day every day.  If he has a few minutes between classes or workouts, he spends his time sending emails to local vendors planning for the next charitable event or stopping by an elementary school to read or play with the children.  

Elijah McAllister is already an Auburn man, and he didn’t hesitate to get involved in the local community. He has used his Name, Image and Likeness monies to fund the service projects he’s hosted so far, but now he needs our help.  

Back-to-School Supply Drive 

On July 20, “All 4:1 and 1 for All” will host a Back-to-School Drive for the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County.  Elijah would like to provide 100 children with backpacks and proper school supplies and will distribute them at the Boykin Community Center with games, a food truck and sweet treats.  “I just remember kids who didn’t have the latest name brand shoes or didn’t have the right pen or notebook and they would pull back and not engage in the learning process. I want to change that for these kids,” he said.   

Elijah McAllister will work toward his PhD in Education while at Auburn and plans to spend his life in service to others. He is, in fact, a rare breed. To read more about Elijah and his incredible story, click HERE. And to help local school children in need, click HERE.  All donations are tax deductible.   

All donations are greatly appreciated!  

You can donate by Venmo at AllFourOneAndOneForAll or credit/debit card by clicking this link.