Pella Corporation Sioux Center Team Awards $25,000 to Local Nonprofits

The Pella Corporation Sioux Center team has awarded $25,000 in grants to three local nonprofits following the plant’s recognition as the inaugural Spirit Award Plant Winner by the Pella Rolscreen Foundation.

The Joan Kuyper Farver Spirit Awards program recognizes Pella team members leading change through volunteering and community service initiatives. The program reflects Pella Corporation’s commitment to supporting the communities where team members live and work.

As the Spirit Award winner, the Sioux Center team was given the opportunity to select local nonprofit organizations to receive the $25,000 grant. The team chose to support Siouxland Habitat for Humanity, Hope Food Pantry, and Mid-Sioux Opportunity — three organizations making a meaningful impact on the community.

“I’m incredibly proud of our Sioux Center Operations team for the caring spirit they demonstrate every day — both in our plant and throughout our community,” said Matt Mellema, Sioux Center Plant Manager. “Receiving the Joan Kuyper Farver Plant Spirit Award is an honor, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support these three outstanding community partners through these grants.”

Nonprofits to Direct Funding to Significant Community Needs

Hope Food Pantry ($10,000)
Hope Food Pantry, which provides free grocery services to those living under the federal poverty line, will use its grant for equipment and supply upgrades, as well as food purchases.

“We would like to thank Pella for their generous donation,” said Marianne Sjaarda, Director at Hope Food Pantry. “Their community support of many entities truly makes a difference in the Sioux Center area.” 

Mid-Sioux Opportunity, Inc. ($10,000)
Mid-Sioux Opportunity assists low-income families in Northwest Iowa to become self-sufficient through educational, health, and financial assistance. Mid-Sioux will direct its grant to the Sioux County Food Pantry, Emergency Crisis Funds, and essential operations of the Sioux County office.

“This support allows us to continue meeting the critical needs in our community and strengthens our ability to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the families we serve,” said Laura Benson, Outreach Director at Mid-Sioux Opportunity, Inc.

Siouxland Habitat for Humanity ($5,000)
Siouxland Habitat for Humanity transforms the lives of Siouxland individuals and families in need of affordable housing. The organization will use the grant to help fund a new home build in Orange City in 2026.

“We are grateful and blessed for the Pella Sioux Center plant awarding us this grant and congratulate them on being the Spirit Award Plant Winner!” said Kurt Franje, Sioux County Director at Siouxland Habitat for Humanity. “Thank you for helping our mission!” 

In addition to the Spirit Award grants, Pella’s Sioux Center plant gave $1,000 each to Habitat for Humanity and Hope Food Pantry in October 2025.

Matt Mellema, Sioux Center Plant Manager, discusses the impact of volunteerism, alongside Pella’s nonprofit partners.