Boston City Councillor John M. Tobin, Jr. is now accepting entries to his 8th annual holiday card contest from children who attend elementary schools in his district, which includes West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.

“One of my favorite holiday season activities is choosing the winner of my greeting card contest,” said Councillor Tobin, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Arts, Film, Humanities and Tourism. “There are so many talented young people in my district. I am impressed and inspired by their ideas and creativity. Every year I look forward to seeing their designs.”

The Grand Prize winner’s artwork will be featured on Councillor Tobin’s 2009 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 Tuesday, 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.