URBANA, Ill. (WAND) – Every year, the University of Illinois football team takes time away from studying for finals and preparing for their bowl game to take local young moms on a Christmas shopping spree.

Sophomore running back Aidan Laughery said, “We do this every year. It’s for teenage moms and so it’s a great opportunity for us to come out here and be a positive role models in the community,” said sophomore running back Aidan Laughery. “It’s just really good to build these relationships in the community and be a source of light for young people in the community.”

Each mom gets a budget to buy whatever gifts they want while players push their carts and help grab items off the shelves. Illini head coach Bret Bielema picks up the tab for everyone.

Freshman defensive back Vernon Woodward said, “It was great. Great experience, great environment, everybody was happy and laughing,” noted Vernon Woodward, a freshman defensive back. “It was great to just come in here and see us be able to make a change and I was more than excited for that, so I’m really happy that we could be back and make a difference here.”

Some kids even coming along to pick out their own presents.

“It’s something we all look forward to,” Laughery added. “To get out here and do this, like I said, we’ve been doing it a couple years in a row and it’s something we’re happy to do to and come out here and make a difference in the community.”

Illinois takes on South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl on December 31 in Orlando, Florida.

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