CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — A UNC football player has made a major donation to the people of Western North Carolina.

Tar Heels defender Kaimon Rucker uses money from his name, image and likeness to send $10,000 to the Manna FoodBank in Asheville.

Rucker, a graduate student from Hartwell, Ga., said his father went to college at Mars Hill, near Asheville, and his heart broke for the people who followed him. The ravages of Hurricane Helene.

“For me, it was heartbreaking to see cities and places that people cherished so dearly suffering today,” Rucker said. “And I thought, why not use my NIL platform that I earn here to give back to people who really need it?”

When Wells Fargo and Food Lion Feeds, corporate partners of Carolina Athletics, heard about Rucker’s donation, they decided to match his donation.

Wells Fargo has pledged a matching donation of $10,000 and Food Lion Feeds will donate 10,000 meals that will also be donated to the Manna FoodBank in Rucker’s name.

“My thoughts and prayers go out not only to the people of Western North Carolina, but also to all the towns impacted by Hurricane Helene,” Rucker said. “This is just a small drop in a big pool of support for everyone, but we are praying for you, and we are still supporting you as you rebuild after what the hurricane took from all of you.”

NOTE: Video is from a previous report.

SEE ALSO | North Carolina State Defender Davin Vann fills a truck with supplies for Helene’s victims