Carrie Underwood donates to schools

Carrie Underwood was "thrilled" to be able to donate $350,000 to schools in her hometown.

Over the holidays the singer decided to give the large sum to schools in Checotah, Oklahoma.

The money was presented through Carrie's Checotah Animal, Town, and School (C.A.T.S.) Foundation. The donation will go towards new computers, playground equipment, band uniforms and musical instruments.

"Late last year, each of the schools created a list of their needs, and I am so thrilled that the C.A.T.S. Foundation was able to fund it all," Carrie told USA Today.

Carrie had an incredibly successful year in 2011. She made her big screen debut in Soul Surfer and won three America Country Awards including Artist of the Year: Female and Single of the Year: Female for Mama's Song.

In December it was also announced that the star had been nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance again for Mama's Song.

Carrie was delighted to be able to give something back to an area that means so much to her.

"It gives me great joy knowing we are helping my hometown schools to offer an even better education to the students," she smiled. "They deserve it."

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