HOUSTON, TX - Houston Texans Whitney Mercilus is returning to the field this season showing NO MERCI, and off the field he is assisting Houston Independent School District students as they are RETURNING 2 LEARNING. Mercilus is working through his foundation, The WithMerci Foundation, to provide underserved children with FREE haircuts, hair styles, schools supplies and vouchers for school clothes. Mercilus will be joined by local celebrities, Texans mascot Toro, Ronald McDonald, Birdie and community partners for "Returning 2 Learning", this Friday, August 10, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Lawson Middle School located at 14000 Stancliff, Houston, Texas 77045.

Mercilus created Returning 2 Learning to assist students in returning to school with their necessities after Hurricane Harvey last year. The collaborative efforts of change-agent Wanda Adams, President of the HISD School Board were awe-inspiring in joining forces with Mercilus and the WithMerci Foundation to meet students' needs. Last year, 300 students were served and with an increase in new partners and sponsors for 2018, Mercilus and the WithMerci Foundation will be serving 500 kids.

This year the event's sponsoring partners areHouston Independent School District;

McDonald's Owner/Operators Association of Greater Houston, providing food and fun to students and their families;Visible Changes, providing 30 professional stylist;Empire Barber Studios, providing haircutsBank of Texas, Pepsi and many more.

"I started the WithMerci Foundation because I love working with children, and I've developed a passion to help underprivileged kids and their families. Returning 2 Learning is one of my favorite events, who doesn't like to look good on the first day of school! To be in a position to give back and especially to my community is always an honor. We have to remember that we still have to work together as our city is still rebuilding after Hurricane Harvey, but know the heart of Houston lies within the resiliency of our people. We play every Sunday with the city of Houston supporting us, it feels amazing to give them that same love and support as we work to rebuild and heal our communities" said Mercilus.

For more information, please visit www.withmerci.org. Also, follow @withmerci on Facebook and Instagram using #WithMerci and #Returning2Learning.