INDIANAPOLIS | Hilda Huerta received one heck of a gift from her husband -- a Powerball ticket from a drawing Wednesday that turned out to be worth $50,000.

The Michigan City resident recently claimed her prize with her daughter, Monica, at Hoosier Lottery headquarters in Indianapolis.

"It's a blessing to be able to have the opportunity to have a little cushion," said Huerta who plans to pay bills with her winnings.

She admits she is both nervous and excited about her winnings.

"It's a little bit overwhelming," Huerta said. "I don't want to just go crazy."

Huerta's husband bought the winning ticket for her at Family Express at 6250 Ameriplex Drive in Portage. He added the Power Play option for an extra dollar, which multiplied the standard $10,000 winnings to $50,000.

"Oh, man! I'll never buy another ticket without Power Play again," Huerta said.

Huerta's lucky gift ticket matched four of the first five numbers and the Powerball number in the Wednesday drawing. -- For The Times