A Belhaven preschool is reaping the benefits of a helping hand, thanks to a former resident of Beaufort County who has since joined the big leagues as a professional football player.

This week C.J. Wilson, an Oakland Raiders defensive end and former Northside High School student, donated $5,000 to Totsland Preschool and Nursery on West Old County Road in Belhaven. The daycare largely serves low-income families in the area and provides services for childcare and learning.

Wilson also donated $5,000 to the Northside football team this week, a donation matched by the NFL, which brought the total amount to $10,000.

Wilson said he decided to give a donation to the preschool because an old family friend owns it, and she used to take care of him when he was a child. He said she played an active role in raising him along with his mother.

Wilson said the establishment is one of the only preschool and daycare facilities in Belhaven, and the family ties are close to his heart.

“I always like to give back to her,” he said. “She did a lot for me growing up.”

Education is very important to Wilson, which is why he supports the daycare’s goal to help children learn and develop, while also having fun.

He said he credits academics and athletics with his success in life—and those two factors coming after his faith in God, which he said is No. 1.

Wilson said he hopes the money will go toward new toys for the children as well as new equipment for the daycare, especially in a world of constantly changing technology.

And maybe, the children at the daycare will get the opportunity for the strong foundation he received when he was young.

“It meant a lot to me,” Wilson said. “All my family love her to death.”