Boston City Councillor John M. Tobin, Jr. is now accepting entries to his 7th annual holiday card contest from children who attend elementary schools in his district, which includes West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.

“I am looking for local kids who are willing to use their artistic talents to help me kick-off the 2008 holiday season,” said Councillor Tobin, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Arts, Film, Humanities and Tourism. “I am always amazed at the creativity and thoughtfulness that goes into each of the entries. One of the hardest parts of my job is choosing the winner.”

The Grand Prize winner’s artwork will be featured on Councillor Tobin’s 2008 holiday greeting, which is mailed out to thousands of his constituents, colleagues, and professional associates citywide. The winner will also receive a gift certificate for educational items. Runners-up in the contest will be recognized with a special certificate. The names of the Grand Prize Winner and Honorable Mentions will be publicized and sent to local newspapers and websites.

The contest is open to all elementary school children in West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain. Artwork must be submitted on an 8.5 by 5.5 sheet of white paper and must depict a nondenominational seasonal drawing, preferably in crayon or colored pencil. Only one entry is allowed per child. Each student’s name, school and grade level must be printed on the back of the entry.

Councillor Tobin’s office must receive all submissions by Monday, December 1. Entries can be mailed to: Boston City Councillor John M. Tobin, Jr., Boston City Council, One City Hall Square, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02201.

Anyone with additional questions or comments about the contest can contact Councillor Tobin’s office at (617) 635-4220.