How Would Salem Spend The $1.5 Billion Powerball Jackpot?

While the odds of winning the largest Powerball jackpot ever are beyond slim to none, Patch still encourages our readers to dream.

Several $1 million prizes have been claimed so far, but the $1.5 billion grand prize continues to grow accruing $2 million more since Monday.

SEE ALSO:

• Playing The Powerball With Co-Workers, Friends: What To Know
• Wednesday’s Powerball Jackpot: 5 Things *Less* Likely Than Winning
• 5 People Who Won The Lottery And Blew It All

According to the official Powerball website, players must match all five white balls (in no order) and the red Powerball in order to claim it all. The winning numbers will be pulled Wednesday, January 13 at 10:59 p.m. If you’re thinking of playing, tickets sales cut off 59 minutes before the drawing.

We asked our readers on Facebook how they would give back to Salem if they struck gold. Here’s what your neighbors said:

• “I would build a teen center! Home work area, library, courses for confidence life skills and education! Plus bowling, skating rink, arcade, food. Teens need more to do to stay off the streets!”
• “I would donate to the YMCA, Northeast Animal Shelter, the PTO of my daughter’s school and the Salem Children’s Charity. I would love to be able to send kids to summer camp for free.”
• “Large donations to the SSU Pre-school, Lifebridge, finish the renovation of the fencing around the Common, and a donation to finish to the archway. New playground equipment everywhere! A donation to the schools, the Y, B&G Club and For Kids......to start.”

How would you spend the largest grand prize ever? Would you give back to your town? Tell us in the comments below or on our Facebook page.