Community Bar in Rural Iowa Using New "Hula Hoop Tree" to Fund-Raise for Local Programs

Remember the infamous Hula Hoop Tree in Amber, IA, that got chopped down this past spring because people wouldn't stop standing in the highway or trespassing in neighboring fields? Well, it looks like a small community in a neighboring county decided to create its own Hula Hoop Tree -- and it's using it as a fund-raising tool for various local programs!

Odie's Bar & Grill in Ely, IA, is selling hula hoops at $10 apiece and giving the proceeds to the community's volunteer fire department.

According to news reports, Odie's has sold more than 100 hula hoops so far. They presented a $1,000 gift to the fire department's chief earlier this month, which will be used to pay for firefighter training opportunities and equipment.

According to KCRG, Odie's Bar & Grill has now shifted their fund-raising efforts to benefit the community's Parks and Recreation department.