CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema, his family, and the Fighting Illini football program are once again giving back to the Champaign-Urbana community with the return of the FamILLy First Backpack and School Supply Drive.
Now in its second year, the drive will coincide with FamILLy Movie Night on Saturday, August 9 at Memorial Stadium. The Bielema family has already donated the first 150 backpacks to local schools, and Illini fans are invited to contribute by bringing school supplies to the event.
Fans who donate a school supply will receive a free bucket of popcorn (first 250 donations, limit two per family). Donations will also enter fans into a raffle for four free tickets to Illinois’ FamILLy Day game against Western Michigan on Sept. 13.
Movie Night begins at 5:30 p.m. with an autograph session featuring Illini football players, followed by a screening of Remember the Titans on the stadium’s videoboard.
“Jen and I are excited to continue our backpack and school supply drive for a second year,” said Coach Bielema. “We are looking forward to supporting Champaign-Urbana schools again alongside Fighting Illini fans.”
In addition, Illinois football is offering free game tickets to area teachers for the Sept. 13 game as part of the national Extra Yard for Teachers initiative. School leaders can reach out to Josh Joines at jjoines2@illinois.edu or 217-244-9470 to coordinate.
The Illini kick off the 2025 season on Friday, August 29 against Western Illinois, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m.