The Merc is kicking off its 11th annual Giving Tree Holiday project the first week in December. This year The Merc has adopted two large families through Penn House. The first family has eight members: four girls, ages 3, 12, 14 and 15; one boy, age 16; mom, dad and grandmother. The second family has seven members: four boys, ages 7, 8, 13 and 15; one girl, age 10; and their parents.

Gift requests include clothing, toys and gift cards for gas money. The paper ornaments hanging in the front windows of The Merc each list one individual gift request. Interested shoppers may select a gift request, fill out the associated forms and place the paper ornament on the Giving Tree as a commitment to provide that gift.

The gifts should be brought to The Merc, 901 Iowa, by Dec. 15, when they will be delivered to Penn House to be picked up by the families.