The HUB in Peabody will sponsor another New Year’s Eve party for middle and high school students to hang out with friends and classmates free from alcohol and drugs.

“New Year’s Eve is fun for all ages, but often for teens there is pressure to accept alcohol or drugs,” HUB founder Doe Ann Hague said. “This is one of the biggest events that we sponsor, but it is well worth it because it absolutely fits the mission we set for the HUB. The event draws young people not only from Peabody and Burns, but also from Marion, Hillsboro, and Newton.

“Last year more than 40 gathered for free food, music, games, and prizes, many of which were donated. We have a wonderful group of volunteers who supervise activities, monitor attendance, run concessions, and organize games and prizes,” Hague said.

Students must be present to win. Staffers strive to stretch their party funds to be able to purchase popular prizes to encourage kids to remain all evening.

“They are usually socializing and having a good time. They already want to stay and be with their friends,” she said. “Requiring them to be there for the drawings is just an added incentive to keep them on the premises.”

Hague hopes parents will encourage students to attend the festivities, which will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday for both middle and high school students. Middle school students must leave at 10 p.m., but high school students can stay until at midnight.

“Really,” Hague said, “any high school student from the area is welcome and encouraged to spend the evening with us.”

More information is available at (620) 983-2949 and (316) 772-2162.