COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Former Maryland football standout Shawne Merriman will be on hand Wednesday at Comcast Center when he serves as host at his Sixth Annual Lights On Foundation Coat Drive.

The Maryland men's basketball team is slated to take on Michigan at 7:30 p.m. in one of the matchups in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

Merriman, along with current Terrapin student-athletes, will be accepting donated items of gently-used coats, hats, scarves and other warm clothing as soon as the doors open at 6 p.m. Drop-off areas are located inside Gates A and E. The collection will continue through halftime.

The former Maryland star will also be available for a 30-minute autograph session beginning at 6:45 p.m. on the third level above the Terrapin Team Store (between Gates A and B).

All donations benefit of the Creative Community for Non-Violence Shelter in Washington, D.C.

Fans who are unable to make it to the game can drop off donations at the Academic Center in the Gossett Football Team House until Friday. The hours for the dropoff are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.

The drive was the brainchild of Merriman, a defensive star for the Terps from 2002-04. The Upper Marlboro, Md., native is a three-time All-Pro with the San Diego Chargers.