Bielema Announces Second FamILLy First Backpack and School Supply Drive

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — For the second consecutive year, Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema, his family, and the Illinois football team have launched the FamILLy First Backpack and School Supply Drive in conjunction with FamILLy Movie Night, it was announced Thursday. Coach Bielema and his wife, Jen, have kicked off the drive by donating the first 150 backpacks to Champaign-Urbana schools.

Fighting Illini fans can get involved by donating school supplies during Illinois' FamILLy Movie Night on Saturday, Aug. 9 at Memorial Stadium. For every one school supply donated, fans will receive a free bucket of popcorn to enjoy during the movie (first 250 donations, limit two per family). FamILLy Movie Night starts on Aug. 9 at 5:30 p.m. CT with an autograph session with Fighting Illini football players, followed by the showing of Remember the Titans on the Memorial Stadium videoboard. 

"Jen and I are excited to continue our backpack and school supply drive for a second year," said Bielema. "After last season's successful drive, we are looking forward to again support the Champaign-Urbana schools and community, alongside Fighting Illini fans at FamILLy Movie Night at Memorial Stadium. We can't wait to see all the kids in Memorial Stadium again this fall."

Illini fans' school supply donations at FamILLy Movie Night will be delivered to local schools together with the Bielema family's backpacks donation. 

The Illinois football program is also offering free tickets to area teachers for the program's game against Western Michigan on Sept. 13, as part of the College Football Playoff's Extra Yard for Teachers campaign. School administrators and principals can contact Josh Joines at jjoines2@illinois.edu or 217-244-9470 to learn more.  

A school supply donation at FamILLy Movie Night will also enter fans into a raffle for four free tickets to the FamILLy Day game against Western Michigan. A winner will be drawn prior to the movie starting.

Illinois begins the 2025 season on Friday, Aug. 29 against Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on Peacock.