If someone pays you a good deed, don’t pay it back — pay it forward. That’s the idea behind The Express's “Pay It Forward” challenge, which is just days from being launched.

In the challenge, The Express will award a $500 cash prize to the area resident who submits the most innovative plan to carry out a good deed using the winnings. Ideas could include covering medical expenses for an ailing neighbor, cleaning up a community park, or even investing the prize money to make even more money for a worthy cause.

Contestants are encouraged to think outside the box and stretch their dollars.

People interested in participating in The Express's Pay It Forward challenge should watch the newspaper in coming days for complete details.