It’s National Volunteer Week and Scholastic is celebrating the event with the Be Big in Your Community Contest in support of Clifford the Big Red Dog’s Be Big! campaign.

The national contest invites kids, teachers, parents and community leaders to submit an idea built around Clifford’s Big Ideas – share, help others, be kind, be responsible, play fair, be a good friend, believe in yourself, have respect, work together and be truthful – to enter for a chance to win a community grant to help implement the winning proposals.

The grand prize winner will receive a US$25,000 community grant, while 10 runner-ups will be awarded a US$2,500 community grant from the HandsOn Network affiliate organizations or designees.

On Tuesday April 21 and Wednesday, April 22, in conjunction with HandsOn Network affiliate organizations, hundreds of children will be taking part in Be Big school events across the US. In New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta and Chicago, Clifford will be making in-school appearances.

Contest submissions are being accepted at the Clifford BE BIG website (www.scholastic.com/cliffordbebig) or via standard mail today through June 26, 2009. PBS Kids will also be airing Clifford episodes during National Volunteer Week that highlight the big ideas: