URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — For the fourth consecutive year, Bret and Jen Bielema have generously covered the costs of a shopping spree at the Urbana Walmart, benefiting the YoungLives program.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity, and credit to Coach for organizing this,” commented Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer. “Supporting a local organization that aids single mothers, especially during the holiday season, is so important. It’s about more than just football.”

The financial contribution has a meaningful impact.

“Shopping can be stressful, especially during the holidays when there are bills to pay,” said Crystal Rodriguez, a mother involved with YoungLives. “Knowing that they are here to support us with gifts for our kids, and even for ourselves, is incredibly helpful.”

The personal involvement of players, who assist families in selecting items throughout the store, adds a heartfelt touch to the evening.

“Throwing money is one thing like, ‘Oh, I’ll donate.’ But like, you really don’t get to connect with them how we can connect with them right now on a personal level and really get to know them,” Illinois wide receiver Brayden Trimble said.

It’s also an opportunity for athletes to see some of the struggles that members of our community face.

“You never know what people are going through,” Trimble said. “We got life pretty good as college athletes, we got a lot of good things going for us, so just giving back to the community in any way we can is like a perfect opportunity that I’ll always take.”

And all who contribute to this night of generosity help young moms feel loved over the holiday season.

“One of the moms had echoed to one of the people involved in the organization was that it was the first time a young man her age had treated her as a mother, and the effect that had just kind of just hit me in the face,” Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said.

“Honestly, it’s a pretty big night for all the teen moms out there,” Rodriguez said.