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thedrifter
12-18-08, 07:28 AM
Press Release Source: Big Lots, Inc.


Big Lots Celebrates 14th Year as National Toys for Tots Sponsor
Wednesday December 17, 11:30 am ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Lots (NYSE: BIG - News), the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer, will spread holiday cheer as it helps the U.S. Marines and Santa deliver toys to needy children across the country.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011026/BIGLOTSLOGO )

"Providing toys to children in need is one of the true joys of the season," said CEO Steve Fishman. "Our partnership with Toys for Tots enables us to bring hope and happiness to families across America."

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 local stores. The company also provides special discounted pricing on new toys to the Toys for Tots Foundation through its Granted Wishes Program.

The Big Lots Toys for Tots drive, along with other donations, helped the Foundation distribute over 20 million new toys to needy youngsters last year.

"Over the years, Big Lots has helped us ensure that millions of deserving children could experience the thrill of unwrapping a special gift during the holidays," said Lieutenant General H. P. Osman, USMC (Ret.), Marine Toys for Tots Foundation President & CEO. "Their contributions and leadership over the past 14 years have made a positive difference in lives of many families."

This year, as more families are challenged to make ends meet, the Foundation has experienced a dramatic increase in toy requests. "More people will be turning to Toys for Tots to help them deliver the magic of the season," said Rob Claxton, Big Lots Senior VP of Marketing. "We want to make it as easy as possible for the American public to join us in making sure that every child has a present from Santa under the tree."

Through December 24, Big Lots customers and associates can drop their gift of a new toy into the familiar Toys for Tots donation barrels at many of the 1,300+ Big Lots locations nationwide. Although Big Lots has a non-solicitation policy at all of its stores, the company is proud to continue its tradition of community service through strategic alliances with national non-profit organizations such as Toys for Tots and The Salvation Army.

About Toys for Tots

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program began in 1947 when Major William L. (Bill) Hendricks, USMCR and a handful of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children on Christmas Eve. Today, Toys for Tots is the Marine Crops' premier community action program and one of the nation's flagship Christmas charitable causes.

About Big Lots, Inc.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots (NYSE: BIG - News) is a Fortune 500 company with more than 1,300 stores in 47 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 via the internet at www.biglots.com and through its wholesale operations which are conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, and WISCONSIN TOY and www.biglotswholesale.com

Ellie