Illini Football giving back to C-U community before start of school

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois football and Head Football Coach Bret Bielema are hosting the second annual FamILLy First Backpack and School Supply Drive.

The event will be at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, August 9, coinciding with the Illini's FamILLy Movie Night.

Bielema and his wife, Jen, kicked off the drive by donating the first 150 backpacks to Champaign-Urbana schools.

"Jen and I are excited to continue our backpack and school supply drive for a second year," said Bielema. "We can't wait to see all the kids in Memorial Stadium again this fall."

For every school supply donated, fans will get a free bucket of popcorn. That promotion is for the first 250 donations, and is limited to two buckets per family.

Donations will also enter fans into a raffle for 4 free tickets to the Illini's game against Western Michigan. The winner will be drawn before the movie starts.

The movie night starts at 5:30 p.m. with a player autograph session followed by a showing of Remember the Titans on the Memorial Stadium video board.