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BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- College athletes from Binghamton University traded in their basketballs for hand paint with the purpose of giving back to the community and making a difference in the life of a child.

BU and the Magic Paintbrush Project have teamed up the last two years, giving children with special needs a chance to "Paint with the Players." Both the men's and women's basketball teams and their coaches spent time with the children Monday. Of course, that means getting covered in paint in the process.

While the process may be messy, participants say it's about getting to a point where everyone is enjoying the moment.

"It’s really exciting to see the students come in. They are a little bit guarded, they don't know what to expect, not like anything they would go into in life. To see them explore, to see the new kids get out of their comfort zones and really learn how to play again is really exciting for all of us," said Jennifer O’Brien, Magic Paintbrush Executive Director.

The Magic Paintbrush Project has been around for more than six years supporting families with special needs children. Since its creation, it has provided fun filled workshops for more than 23,000 participants.