Big Lots Launches 16th Annual Toys for Tots Drive

Campaign Kicks Off with $16,000 Charity Shopping Spree Featuring WSYX 6 News Anchors Yolanda Harris and Bob Kendrick

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Nov 04, 2010, 11:00 ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- To get a head start on holiday giving, Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) will launch its Toys for Tots drive with a $16,000 charity shopping spree and in-store celebration featuring giveaways and special discounts for customers who donate a toy at the company's Dublin store location.

The event will be held on Saturday, November 13, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Big Lots Dublin store, 6569 Sawmill Rd., Columbus, Ohio. At 11 a.m., WSYX 6 news anchors Yolanda Harris and Bob Kendrick will shop for thousands of much-needed toys with the assistance of local Marine Corps Unit Lima Company and Girl Scout Troop #1500.

The event will also give consumers a chance to get a jump on holiday shopping and take part in the spirit of giving. People who donate a new, unwrapped toy at the Dublin location will receive a coupon for 16% off their purchases from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Nov. 13 in recognition of Big Lots' 16-year partnership with Toys for Tots.

"Everyone can be a Santa through Toys for Tots," said CEO Steve Fishman. "This year we're inviting our customers to give the Marines a hand and help us put a smile on a lot of faces."

As part of the festivities, people who donate a toy at the Dublin store between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. will be entered in drawings for giveaways. Hot chocolate and refreshments will also be served during that time.

"While taking advantage of our great deals, customers can really get into the holiday spirit by donating to Toys for Tots," noted Rob Claxton, SVP of Marketing. "That's especially important since so many families in our community are without jobs or on limited budgets."

Big Lots has been a loyal corporate sponsor of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign since 1994, conducting toy collection drives at participating stores across the country throughout the holiday season.

In addition to the $16,000 toy-shopping spree, Big Lots will donate $25,000 to the national foundation and an additional $110,000 in toys and cash to the Central Ohio Campaign during the ABC 6 Toys for Tots Toy Drive on Saturday, December 4, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the ABC studio, 1261 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio.

About Big Lots, Inc.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) is a Fortune 500 company with nearly 1,400 stores in 48 states. As the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer, Big Lots offers consumers a wide range of bargain-priced merchandise, including brand-name closeouts, seasonal products, consumables, furniture, housewares, toys, and gifts. The Company also sells merchandise through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, WISCONSIN TOY, and www.biglotswholesale.com.

SOURCE Big Lots, Inc.