While local emergency services in Pella and the surrounding area were busy assessing damage and responding to the tornado and a fire Saturday, numerous local businesses responded with food and water.
Pella Hy-Vee Store Director Derek Sparks tells KNIA/KRLS News after he heard about the storm damage, he prompted an instant response at the store to help the first responders.
“The reason that we get involved is that as a community, we have to be one,” he says. “Jason [Andringa] said it best when he said ‘Vermeer Strong,’ but I like to say we’re Pella strong, we’re all one community.”
Hy-Vee provided food and water at Vermeer Thursday and Friday, and gave lunch to firefighters and EMS personnel responding to the fire at Paxton and Sons Saturday.