Newton Citizen

Photo by Corinne Nicholson

CONYERS -- Middle Ridge Elementary School is hoping to win up to $20,000 as part of a Big Lots contest.

Big Lots has kicked off its fourth annual video contest, the 2011 Lots2Give contest, in which schools can vie for a chance to win their share of $100,000 in prizes.

"The Lots2Give program makes a positive impact on schools in need across the country," said Big Lots CEO Steve Fishman. "We invite America to join us in selecting the winners of our Lots2Give video contest and promoting an important cause."

Middle Ridge is one of the eight finalists. If the schools wins, staff want to use use the money to continue to make academic gains in today's technological world by adding Netbooks and iPads.

The public is being invited to view the videos submitted by the participating schools at 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.

Big lots will award one $20,000 grand prize, four $5,000 first prizes and 30 $2,000 second prizes.

Last year, Alcovy High School and Rocky Plains Elementary School both won $2,000 in cash prizes in the same contest.

Voting began Monday and ends at 11:59 p.m. July 4. Winners will be announced on Aug. 13.

Individuals can cast three votes per person, per day.

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. In Covington, Big Lots has a store on U.S. Highway 278 in the Kroger shopping center.

All donations will go to participating schools.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots has more than 1,400 stores in 48 states.