Checotah, OK -- Carrie Underwood's success is translating into good times for the four public schools in her hometown.

Underwood had asked the four schools what they need and her foundation filled the list. So the schools in Checotah, Oklahoma now have new computer labs, playground equipment, physical fitness equipment, instruments for their music programs, new band uniforms, furniture, storage and other items.

The cost was about $350,000. The donations came from her C.A.T.S. Foundation which stands for Checotah Animal, Town and School Foundation. Underwood says it gives her "great joy" knowing her foundation is helping her hometown schools offer "an even better education to the students. They deserve it."

Associated Press