Dec. 22, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by POET.

‘Tis the season to be generous, and at POET, the spirit of giving is once again in full swing as the company joins with local organizations to truly make this the most wonderful time of the year for families across the Sioux Empire.

For almost four decades, the POET team has rallied together to support local organizations and nonprofits throughout the year, and Christmastime brings an even greater variety of opportunities. Over the years, these collaborations have become more than just part of an annual event — they are a heartfelt tradition deeply ingrained in POET’s mission to give back to the communities it calls home.

“I’m always proud to witness the generosity of our team, but this time of year is a great reminder that the culture we’ve worked so hard to maintain is still alive and well at POET, even after more than three decades,” said Jeff Broin, founder and CEO. “We’re grateful to call Sioux Falls home and humbled by the opportunity to make Christmas a little brighter for families in the area.”

One of these organizations is Feeding South Dakota, the state’s largest hunger relief organization. Several of POET’s departments have volunteered time and funds there, and many of those teams have returned to volunteer multiple times. Teams typically spend a few hours packing meals for kids, families and seniors across the state.

For almost two decades in lieu of manager holiday gifts, the POET team has rallied together to support Sioux Falls Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to providing essential items and gifts to almost 900 local families and 2,500 children in need. POET team members can give voluntary donations to the cause, with POET doubling down by matching every contribution. The grand total is then unveiled with much excitement at POET’s annual Christmas party. In 2023, as in every year prior, the POET team shattered expectations and broke its fundraising record once again.

“I had an incredible experience being a part of POET’s Christmas initiative,” said Crystal Erickson, a team member who volunteered with the Sioux Falls Cares delivery. “I’m sincerely grateful to be part of an organization like POET that prioritizes giving back to the community. Our collective effort undoubtedly made a significant and positive impact, and I’m proud to be a part of it!”

Another annual tradition — hosted by POET’s research team — is a fundraiser for the Children’s Home Society of South Dakota. The team sells homemade cookies, hot chocolate and milk for a freewill donation and uses the funds to purchase Christmas gifts for children in the CHS program.

Additionally, this year the team at POET’s bioproducts division “adopted” a family through the St. Francis House, an organization that provides a transition home for families and individuals in need as they find their own housing after being homeless. The POET team raised funds to purchase essentials and gifts from a wish list for the family, which will be presented to them a few days before Christmas.

POET teams also sponsored families and children with various anonymous gifts and meal programs. POET participated in Angel Tree and LifeScape Christmas Wishes to provide gifts for children and holiday meals for families in need.

“Our partnerships exemplify a shared commitment with these organizations to enhance the well-being of our community,” said Alyssa Broin Christensen, vice president of team and community impact. “It’s been such a blessing to see our team members take our mission of giving back to heart during the Christmas season by doing their part to create impact for families who need it most.”

Other organizations POET partnered and volunteered with include Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers of America, The Banquet, Active Generations, Soup drives, Mobile Food Pantry, Journey of Hope, Ronald McDonald House, South Dakota Food Bank and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

As the holiday season unfolds, POET continues to make a positive impact not just in Sioux Falls but in all communities across its 34-plant network. The team’s dedication to spreading Christmas joy goes far beyond dollars and cents — it’s a testament to the power of community and the warmth that comes from giving one’s time in great ways.

“At the heart of POET’s mission is a call to make the world a better place,” Broin said. “That starts in our communities, with our friends, families and neighbors. I believe we’re here to do everything we can to change lives and lead with servants’ hearts, and I’m blessed to lead a world-class team of people who hold those same values.”