Big Lots Announces Lots2Give Video Contest Winners

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thirty-five schools across the country will start the school year with extra cash for class as Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) announced today the winners of the 2011 Lots2Give video contest. One-hundred sixteen schools competed for a share of $100,000 in cash prizes, with the $20,000 grand prize going to Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, Michigan.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20011026/BIGLOTSLOGO)

Big Lots asked participating schools to submit a video and essay explaining why their school is in need of financial support. From June 6 through July 4, the public voted for their favorite video at www.biglots.com/lots2give. More than 230,000 votes were cast to determine the 35 winners, which included one $20,000 grand prize, four $5,000 first place prizes, and thirty $2,000 second place prizes.

In addition to the video contest, Big Lots hosted an in-store donation program to help the 206 schools participating in the Lots2Give program. From April 25 through July 4, Big Lots customers were invited to make $1 or $5 donations at participating stores with 100% of donations going to participating schools. This initiative raised over $130,000.

"Big Lots is committed to programs that support education, and with the Lots2Give program, we are able to give back to the communities we serve," said Steve Fishman, Chairman and CEO. "We invited our customers to support an important cause, and this year we achieved a new level of success by raising over $130,000 from our in-store donation program."

Fishman and Senior Vice President of Marketing, Rob Claxton, will present Wayne Memorial High School with the $20,000 grand prize on Friday, August 12 at the Big Lots store located in Livonia, Michigan. Additionally, 34 schools will each receive their prize amounts of $5,000 or $2,000 as first or second place prize winners in separate ceremonies in their communities.

In conjunction with the Lots2Give program, Big Lots stores across the country will acknowledge the outstanding efforts of educators by hosting an in-store Teacher Appreciation Day event on Saturday, August 13. All educators with a valid school identification card will receive 10% off their entire purchase that day. View all 35 winning videos at www.biglots.com/lots2give beginning Saturday, August 13.

About Big Lots, Inc.

Big Lots is North America's largest broadline closeout retailer. The company currently operates 1,418 BIG LOTS stores in the 48 contiguous United States and 88 LIQUIDATION WORLD and LW stores in Canada. Wholesale operations are conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, and WISCONSIN TOY. For more information, visit www.biglots.com.

SOURCE Big Lots