The holiday season is all about giving, and this year, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is helping spread a little extra joy to local families!

The 2026 Giving Tree has a new home at the Chamber & Welcome Center, 205 Main Avenue, where community members can select an ornament, shop for requested gifts and essentials, and help make the holidays brighter for children and families in need.

Beginning Tuesday, November 17, 2026, the Giving Tree will be filled with ornaments representing gift requests from local families. Everyone is invited to participate, whether you select one ornament, several, or encourage your coworkers, friends, or family to join in.

How the Giving Tree Works

Participating is easy, and every gift makes a difference!

1. Pick an Ornament

Stop by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center at 205 Main Avenue beginning Tuesday, November 17, during regular business hours. Select one or more ornaments from the Giving Tree. Each ornament represents a requested gift or essential item for a local child or family.

2. Shop for Your Gifts

Purchase the items listed on your ornament. These requests help provide families with essentials like clothing and shoes, along with a little holiday cheer.

3. Wrap & Return Your Gifts by December 11

Wrap your purchased gifts and securely attach the original Giving Tree ornament to each package so donations can be matched with the correct recipients. Return your wrapped gifts and food cards to the Chamber & Welcome Center at 205 Main Avenue by Friday, December 11, 2026, during regular business hours.

Chamber staff will coordinate the collection and distribution of gifts, ensuring they reach participating families before Christmas break.

A Little Thank-You for Giving Back

As a small token of appreciation, everyone who returns an ornament with their purchased gifts will receive 10% off a purchase at the Chamber Gift Shop! The discount is valid on the day gifts are returned and applies to regularly priced merchandise. It’s our way of saying thank you for helping make the season brighter for someone in our community.

Supporting Local Families Through Clear Lake Schools

The Giving Tree works in coordination with Clear Lake Schools to identify local families who could use extra assistance during the holiday season. Families seeking assistance with essentials such as food and clothing must register through the Clear Lake school their child attends by Friday, November 6, 2026.

The Chamber will serve as the new location for gift pickup this year. Participating families will be contacted by Chamber staff when their gifts are ready. Families who have not been contacted by Tuesday, December 15, should call the Chamber at 641-357-2159.

Make Giving Part of Your Holiday Tradition

Looking for a meaningful way to give back this season? The Giving Tree is a wonderful opportunity for families, businesses, coworkers, and community organizations to come together and make a difference right here in Clear Lake. Consider picking an ornament with your children, inviting your office to participate, or making a Giving Tree shopping trip part of your holiday traditions. A simple act of generosity can mean so much to a family during the holidays.

Giving Tree Details

  • Location: Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center, 205 Main Avenue, Clear Lake, Iowa
  • Ornaments Available: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
  • Gift Return Deadline: Friday, December 11, 2026
  • Drop-Off: During regular Chamber business hours
  • Questions? Call 641-357-2159

This holiday season, choose an ornament, share a little joy, and help make Christmas brighter for a local family.