HOUSTON, TX - Houston Texans Whitney Mercilus is known for showing NO MERCI on the field, but off the field, he is known as a gentle giant within the community. As a part of his continuous efforts to give back to the Greater Houston community, Mercilus and the WithMerci Foundation are donating $20,000.00 to the Houston Independent School District Foundation for the Department of Special Education. Although, Mercilus will not be in attendance due to the injury he sustained during last Sunday night's football game, he has prepared a video message to be presented in his absence. Join the Mercilus Family and the WithMerci Foundation Board of Directors today, Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. for the check presentation during the H.I.S.D. board meeting at the Hattie Mae White building (HISD Administration Building) located at 4400 W 18th St, Houston, TX 77092.

Last month (September 8, 2017), Mercilus and his Foundation partnered with the Houston Independent School District to present "Returning 2 Learning" a back-to-school event created to assist children and families during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The students were given FREE haircuts, hairstyles, backpacks, school supplies and meals. During that event the WithMerci Foundation and Mercilus also donated $65,000.00 to Smartie Pants Academy; whereas their school specializes in educating children with disabilities and was destroyed during Hurricane Harvey.

"I started the WithMerci Foundation because I love working with children, and I've developed a passion to help families and underprivileged children with disabilities and special needs. Hurricane Harvey devastated our city and communities but the heart of Houston lies within the resiliency of our people. Rebuilding Houston is an effort that falls on all of our shoulders and I am grateful that God has blessed me to be in a position to give back, said Mercilus.

For more information about Whitney Mercilus and the WithMerci Foundation, please visit www.withmerci.org. Also, follow @withmerci on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.