Financially stressed Knox County schools are eligible to win $100,000 with no strings attached in U.S. Cellular's "Calling All Communities" program in which local communities will decide which 10 schools around the country will share in $1 million.

Between now and January 15, 2009, Knox school supporters can come in to any U.S. Cellular store and vote for the school of their choice.

The program comes at a time when school districts across the country are feeling the pinch in a slowing economy. Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim McIntyre recently implemented an expense reduction plan in anticipation of a $1 million shortfall.

"We recognize that funding for education is falling short across the country and this is an important issue for our customers. We hope this opportunity will empower our communities to rally around our schools and our children," said Tom Catani, Regional Vice President for U.S. Cellular in the East Region, headquartered here in Knoxville.

All schools in the U.S., public and private, serving kindergarten through high school are eligible. Schools receiving the donation will be announced in February 2009 and each school can choose how it will use the money.

"The city has a strong interest in quality schools even though the public system is managed by Knox County," said Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. "I encourage supporters to vote for the school of their choice. It's always the right time to invest in our children."

"I'm glad to see companies creating incentives for people to support their schools," Dan Murphy, member of the Knox County school board, told the News Sentinel. "This provides a means for 10 schools to get monies they otherwise wouldn't have."

Nationwide, U.S. Cellular has donated more than $4 million to not-for-profit organizations serving youth, families and seniors, and associates have volunteered more than 8,000 hours so far in 2008.

Visit uscellular.com/callingallcommunities for official rules. You must be 18 to vote and only one vote per person.