Hundreds of people attended the third annual Giving Tuesday event Nov. 27 at Peabody-Burns High School.

Attendees mingled with representatives from local charities, made contributions, enjoyed soup and homemade cookies, and cheered for the PBHS athletes and cheerleaders during the Winterfest program.

According to Peabody Community Foundation chairman NM Patton, contributions topped $11,500 to charities, school clubs, and the foundation. The total includes matching funds for gifts to the foundation from Mid-Kansas Coop, Vintage Bank, and an anonymous donor.

Four gift baskets with a total value of $1,550 were given away in a prize drawing. PCF board member Linda Martinez organized the baskets from donations of goods and gift certificates from local business and individuals.

Winners were Aries Baldwin, Pat Henderson, Trinity Miler, and Dinah Richmond.

For the first time, PCF offered grants to enhance classrooms and projects at USD 398. Eight staff members received grants totaling $1,931 for projects such as printmaking supplies, a field trip, and a business communication skills curriculum.