Schools Compete for $20K in Big Lots Contest

Three Elk Grove schools are among dozens in the state hoping for a big payout from the retailer Big Lots.

Big Lots is holding its fifth-annual "Lots2Give" contest, and 37 schools around the country will receive cash prizes based on votes on a contest website, www.biglots.com/lots2give. Each user can vote three times per day.

The grand prize is $20,000, and voting is open until July 8.

is asking for help in buying books for its International Baccalaureate program, is hoping to reopen its library, and is asking for technology like computers and projectors.

The schools will also receive 100 percent of donations from customers at stores, like the one at 8539 Elk Grove Blvd.

The full press release on the contest follows:

COLUMBUS, OH (June 11, 2012) — Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) is turning to America to determine the 37 winners in this year’s Lots2Give video contest by voting online for their favorite video. The contest is part of the fifth-annual Lots2Give program launched by Big Lots to help schools in need of financial support across America.

Big Lots asked participating schools to put their creativity to the test by submitting a short video and brief essay explaining why their school is in need of financial support. Cash prizes include 30 $2,000 third-place prizes, four $5,000 second-place prizes, two $10,000 first-place prizes and one $20,000 grand prize – the contest’s biggest prize amount total yet!

From June 11 through July 8, the public can vote for their favorite video entries up to three times a day by visiting www.biglots.com/lots2give. Those votes will determine the schools that will share $120,000 in cash prizes.

“The Lots2Give program allows us to connect with schools in need of financial support across the country,” said Steve Fishman, chairman, chief executive officer and president.  “We invite America to join us in selecting the winners of our Lots2Give video contest and promoting an important cause.”

In addition to the Lots2Give video contest, participating schools will be the recipients of an in-store donation program. Customers can help selected schools by donating $1 or $5 at participating Big Lots stores through July 8. One hundred percent of donations will go to participating schools.

For additional information and to vote for your favorite video, please visit www.biglots.com/lots2give.

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Which school has your vote? Let us know in the comments section below.