West Seattle Elementary is competing in a contest, sponsored by variety store Big Lots to win their share of $100,000 in cash prizes:

As part of the 2011 Lots2Give contest, the public is being invited to view the videos submitted by the participating schools at http://www.biglots.com/lots2give and vote for their favorite. To enter the contest, schools submitted a 90 second video and a brief essay on why their school could use some additional financial support.

One $20,000 grand prize, four $5,000 first prizes and 30 $2,000 second prizes will be awarded.

Big Lots is encouraging the public to cast a ballot for their favorites and help support education at the same time.

o Voting began on June 6 and ends on July 4, 2011, at 11:59pm (EDT).
o Videos can be viewed and votes cast at: http://www.biglots.com/lots2give
o Individuals can cast three votes per person, per day.
o Winners will be announced on August 13, 2011.

Along with the Lots2Give video contest, participating schools will be the recipients of an in-store donation program. Now through July 4, customers can help selected schools by donating $1 or $5 at participating Big Lots stores. One hundred percent of donations will go to participating schools.

The contest is part of the fourth-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 second place prizes worth $2,000 each, four $5,000 first place prizes, and one $20,000 grand prize – the contest’s biggest prize ever.

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 4. 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.