Gifts from above: The Lake Elmo Inn's tradition of exchanging a drink for an ornament

The Lake Elmo Inn's Christmas trees begin every year naked. The lonely twinkle lights that adorn their bare branches do little to help them stand out against the holiday decorations that will embellish the remainder of the restaurant once the season begins.

HIGHTSTOWN: Campers earn graduation gifts

HIGHTSTOWN — It looked like Christmas in August as 38 excited campers began ripping the tags off their gifts and spilling the contents all over the floor.

Local group starts Christmas spirit early

WATERLOO, Iowa --- Christmas still is a few months away, but agroup of Cedar Valley residents already is working to make theholiday season brighter for kids in need.

Operation Christmas Child Holds Shoe Box Gift Kickoff

The project has hand delivered more than 77 million shoe box gifts.

Troup ISD Giving Gifts For Superior TAKS Scores

Rewarding students with money is not prevalent in school districts statewide, but the practice has proven beneficial for Troup ISD.