Pipestone team members are making a difference beyond the farm gate by supporting children in foster care through the Royal Family KIDS Camp in southwest Minnesota.
The camp, part of a nationwide network of Royal Family KIDS Camps, is dedicated to creating life-changing experiences for children who have faced abuse, neglect, or instability. The program provides a safe and supportive environment where foster children can experience hope, healing, friendship and the opportunity to simply be kids.
Through Pipestone’s GiVE Program, employees from across the company’s network came together to support the camp’s mission of helping children build confidence, create positive memories and rediscover joy. The initiative reflects Pipestone’s ongoing commitment to serving rural communities and supporting organizations that strengthen the lives of families and children.
One of the most meaningful contributions came before camp even began. Pipestone employees organized a company-wide fundraiser to provide every camper with a brand-new pair of shoes and socks. While the gift may seem simple, organizers say it delivers something much greater: a sense of dignity, belonging and confidence for children who may not often receive something new to call their own.
“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone across our Pipestone team who contributed,” said Jody De Kam, Vice President of Finance at Pipestone. “We received donations from throughout our entire Pipestone network, and it was incredible to see employees from multiple states come together to support children in another community.”
The Pipestone Finance Team played a key role in the project by coordinating donated items, organizing sizes and preparing complete sets for each child. Team members personally delivered the shoes and socks on the first day of camp, helping ensure campers felt welcomed and ready for the week ahead.
Royal Family KIDS Camp relies on a dedicated network of volunteers, donors and community partners who work together to create meaningful experiences for foster children. Throughout the week, campers participate in activities designed to help them feel valued, safe and supported. From celebrating birthdays and trying new activities to building relationships with mentors, every aspect of the camp is focused on restoring confidence and creating positive memories.
Providing new shoes and socks may appear to be a small gesture, but for many campers it carries a powerful message of care and encouragement.
“Everyone’s generosity and willingness to help make a difference is truly appreciated,” De Kam said. “It’s amazing to see how much something like this means to the kids. It gives them a sense of confidence and reminds them that they are supported.”
While Pipestone is widely recognized for its work in pork production, swine health, veterinary services and supporting pork producers across the Midwest, company leaders say community involvement remains a core part of its mission. Efforts like the Royal Family KIDS Camp partnership demonstrate how agricultural organizations and pork industry professionals continue to invest in the well-being of the communities they serve.
Through teamwork, generosity and a shared commitment to helping others, Pipestone employees helped create a lasting impact for children who needed it most—one pair of shoes, one smile and one life-changing camp experience at a time.
