Big Lots Announces Lots2Give Video Contest Winners

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Forty-six schools across the country will start the school year with some extra cash as Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) announced today the winners of the 2010 Lots2Give video contest. One hundred thirteen schools competed for a share of $100,000 in cash prizes, with the $10,000 grand prize going to De Anza Elementary School in Baldwin Park, Calif.

Big Lots asked participating schools to submit a short video and brief essay explaining why their school is in need of financial support. From June 7 through July 5, the public voted for their favorite video at www.Lots2Give.com.  More than 200,000 votes were cast to determine the 46 winners, which include one $10,000 grand prize and forty-five $2,000 first prizes.

Along with the Lots2Give video contest, Big Lots collected in-store donations to help the 192 schools participating in the Lots2Give program. From April 26 through July 5, Big Lots customers were invited to make $1 or $5 donations at participating stores. Due to the generosity of the public, this initiative raised thousands of dollars to help participating schools.

"Big Lots is dedicated to programs that give back to the communities we serve, and the Lots2Give program allows us to help schools in need of financial support," said Steve Fishman, Chairman and CEO. "We invited our customers to support an important cause, and it was inspiring to see the overwhelming response the program has received."

Fishman and Senior Vice President of Marketing Rob Claxton will present De Anza Elementary School with the $10,000 grand prize on August 13 at the Big Lots store located in West Covina, Calif. Additionally, 45 schools will each receive $2,000 as first place prize winners in separate ceremonies. In conjunction with the Lots2Give program, Big Lots stores across the country will acknowledge the tremendous efforts of educators by hosting an in-store Teacher Appreciation Day event on Saturday, August 14. All educators with a valid school identification card will receive 10% off their entire purchase. View all 46 winning videos at www.lots2give.com on Big Lots Teacher Appreciation Day.

About Big Lots, Inc.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) is a Fortune 500 company with over 1,370 stores in 47 states. As the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer, Big Lots offers consumers a wide range of bargain-priced merchandise, including brand-name closeouts, seasonal products, consumables, furniture, housewares, toys, and gifts. The Company also sells merchandise through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, and WISCONSIN TOY, and www.biglotswholesale.com.

SOURCE Big Lots, Inc.