The winning entry at this year's Tamaqua Gingerbread House Contest wasn't a house in the traditional sense. But it surely was a shelter.

The bake-off was won by Wanda Crostley who created an unusual manger scene using edible transparencies affixed to sheets of gingerbread."They are all winners in our book," said Sheri Beltz of The Restaurant at the Station, contest sponsor.The 5th Annual Gingerbread House Contest benefits the USMC Toys for Tots program and continues to bring smiles to the faces of young and old.Numerous confectionery creations have been on display at The Restaurant at the Station since Thanksgiving. There, patrons "voted" for their favorites by placing a few coins or dollars inside containers setting next to each house. The container with the largest amount of money is declared the winner. All of the funds collected have been donated to Toys for Tots program. In addition, the owners of The Restaurant at the Station have provided a prize of $150 to Crostley for her winning entry.Crostley has been an perennial supporter of the annual project and was very pleased to have won the grand prize this year. However she said she truly did not expect to win. Though not truly a "house," her creation of a Gingerbread Nativity scene captured the hearts and imagination of many. In the spirit of the season, Crostley donated a large portion of her winnings back to the Toys for Tots initiative.Sheri and Bill Beltz of The Restaurant at the Station would like to thank all of those who took their valuable time and talent to participate this year. The Beltz's said they're already looking forward to next year contest.