Merrill Ace Hardware raised $2,252 for the Merrill food pantry, one customer at a time. From Sept. 28 to Nov. 7, Ace employees asked customers at the cash register if they would like to donate $1 to the food pantry. Nearly all gave the dollar and some gave more. Red slips of paper recognizing the donors soon spread over the counter, walls and the ceiling of the hardware store. "The generosity of the people of Merrill is just amazing, especially in these hard economic times," said Ace employee Diane Chambers. On behalf of their customers, Merrill Ace Hardware presented the donation along with their annual giving of turkeys to the food pantry Monday. Food Pantry manager Denis McCarthy, far right, receives the donation from Merrill Ace staff member, from left, Jeff Kallerud, owner Tim Haight, Judy Maas, Angus Eddyburn, Norma Hanson and Diane Chambers.