On Tuesday, the Helping Heels, a UNC service group, completed its effort to collect UNC vs. Buffalo men's basketball tickets that will be donated to children from underprivileged families or those coping with medical problems.
"This is our first year and our first event," said Michael Songer, Helping Heels co-president.
"Our organization will give underprivileged children an opportunity to attend UNC games."
As of Tuesday, the organization boasted about 100 donated tickets. Songer said the UNC Department of Athletics also has promised to contribute tickets for the cause.
Beginning last week and finishing Tuesday, students and faculty members were given the opportunity to drop off their UNC vs. Buffalo tickets in the Pit or mail them to Helping Heels Co-president Adam Walters.
"We actually have two motives with this project," Songer said.
"One is to fill seats during the winter games, and the second is to give children the opportunity to attend."
About 300 children from UNC Children's Hospital, the Big Buddy Program at Campus Y and Mano, an organization that teaches English to immigrants, will be given the tickets so they can attend the game with a parent or guardian Dec. 17.
Many of the ticket recipients from UNC Hospitals will be children who have undergone surgeries or medical procedures.