Two Joliet Schools Win National Video Contest

and were both $2,000 third place winners in the 2012 Lots2Give national video contest. The contest is sponsored by Big Lots and 179 schools entered the contest that garnered a total of $120,000 in prizes.

"Big Lots asked participating schools to submit a short video and brief essay explaining why their school is in need of financial support," a written release stated.

More than 413,000 votes were cast in the contest that allowed voting between June 11 to July 8. The two Joliet schools were two of the 30 total third place winners. also entered, but did not win.

Big Lots will present the checks to representatives from the two winning schools on Saturday at Big Lots, 1608 Larkin Ave. in Crest Hill. The check will be presented to Forest Park at 10 a.m. and to A.O. Marshall at 1 p.m.

In conjunction with the Lots2Give program, Big Lots stores across the country will acknowledge be hosting its Teacher Appreciation Day event on August 11 as well. All educators with a valid school identification card will receive 10% off their entire purchase.

Information for this story came from a written release on behalf of Big Lots.