Thirty-five schools from across the country will start the school year with some extra cash as Big Lots announced the winners of the 2011 Lots2Give video contest. Locally West Seattle Elementary won $2000 and a ceremonial check presentation will take place Monday, August 15,  at.10:00 am at the Big Lots Store located at Burien Square East
125 Southwest 148TH Street. A total of 116 schools competed for a share of $100,000 in cash prizes in the fourth annual Lots2Give video contest, with the $20,000 grand prize going to Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, Michigan.

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 6 through July 4, America voted for their favorite video at www.biglots.com/lots2give. More than 230,000 votes were cast to determine the 35 winners, which include one $20,000 grand prize, four $5,000 first-place prizes and 30 $2,000 second-place prizes.

Along with the Lots2Give video contest, Big Lots collected in-store donations to help the 206 schools enrolled in the Lots2Give program. From April 25 through July 4, Big Lots customers were invited to make $1 or $5 donations at participating stores. Due to the generosity of the public, this initiative raised more than $130,000 for the schools.
 
The following area schools also participated in the Lots2Give program:
·         Dearborn Park Elementary School, Seattle
·         Sanislo Elementary School, Seattle
 
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 13. All educators with a valid school identification card will receive 10% off their entire purchase. View all 35 winning videos at www.biglots.com/lots2give on Big Lots Teacher Appreciation Day.