This Friday, the UNC men’s basketball team will play its first exhibition game of the season against the UNC-Pembroke Braves.

Beyond basketball, however, the two schools are joining together in coordination with Harris Teeter’s Million Meals Challenge to host a food drive benefiting those in eastern North Carolina affected by Hurricane Matthew.

“The Pembroke area was greatly affected by the hurricane and we can all help with recovery efforts by participating in a food drive at our basketball game on Nov. 4 against UNC Pembroke,” said UNC head coach Roy Williams.

“I encourage our fans who are attending the game to bring canned goods, cleaning supplies and non-perishable food items. Let’s all pitch in to help our neighbors and bring them some critically needed relief.”

Collection sites will be set up around the Smith Center entrances at around 6:30 p.m. The first 100 people to donate five or more items will also receive a $5 Harris Teeter gift card.

 “On behalf of the hurricane victims in Pembroke and Robeson County, we would like to thank Coach Williams and the Tar Heels for their support,” said UNC-Pembroke head coach Ben Miller. “It has been a challenging time for our community, but also an opportunity to come together and grow stronger.

“We are blessed to have neighbors and friends in Chapel Hill and around the state that have stepped up and been there by our side.  It makes me proud to call North Carolina home.”