COLUMBUS, OH (August 5, 2013) — Thirty-seven 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 2013 Lots2Give video contest. One hundred eighty-five schools competed for a share of $120,000 in cash prizes, with the $20,000 grand prize going to Fairfax Elementary School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20011026/BIGLOTSLOGO )
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. From June 10 to July 7, the public voted for their favorite video at www.biglots.com/lots2give. More than 405,000 votes were cast to determine the 37 winners, including thirty $2,000 third place prizes, four $5,000 second place prizes, two $10,000 first place prizes and one $20,000 grand prize.
In addition to the video contest, Big Lots held an in-store donation program to help all 250 schools participating in the Lots2Give program. From April 29 through July 7, Big Lots customers were invited to make $5 or $1 donations at participating stores with 100% of donations going to participating schools. This initiative raised over $277,000, nearly triple the donations raised in 2012.
"We think the Lots2Give program is a fun and meaningful way for Big Lots to support education in the communities where we live and work," said David Campisi, Chief Executive Officer and President. "The videos were creative and heartwarming, and our customers have responded in a big way through voting and donating in stores."
CEO David Campisi, along with Big Lots executives and associates, will present Fairfax Elementary School with the $20,000 grand prize on Wednesday, August 14 at the Big Lots store located in Beachwood, Ohio. Additionally, 36 schools will each receive their prize amounts of $10,000, $5,000 or $2,000 as first, second, or third 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 on Saturday, August 10. All educators with a valid school identification card will receive 10% off their entire purchase that day. For additional information and to view all 37 winning videos, visit www.biglots.com/lots2give beginning Saturday, August 10.
About Big Lots, Inc.
Big Lots is North America's largest broadline closeout retailer. We currently operate over 1,500 BIG LOTS stores in the 48 contiguous United States, 3 BIG LOTS stores in Canada, and 76 LIQUIDATION WORLD and LW stores in Canada. Wholesale operations are conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, and WISCONSIN TOY and with online sales at www.biglotswholesale.com. For more information, visit www.biglots.com.
Contact:
Jeremy Ball
Manager, Philanthropy
614.278.6800
/PRNewswire -- Aug. 5, 2013/
SOURCE Big Lots, Inc.