SPOKANE, Wash. — The Great Harvest Bread Company in Spokane temporarily closed its doors in support of a national shutdown organized by Twin Cities activists, aiming to draw attention to immigration issues. The initiative, described as a day of “no work, no school, no shopping,” resonated with customers who encountered a closure sign at the bakery.
Ruth Marchetti, a Spokane resident, expressed her frustration with Congress.
“This whole thing would not have happened had our Congress been doing their job for the last decades with immigration,” she said.
Christy Hawkins, another Spokane local, shared her thoughts on the matter.
“What’s happening is, is not good. And so I believe in the cause,” she said.
Sara Kersey, operations manager at Great Harvest, explained the company’s stance.
“What’s happening in Minneapolis is not right. What’s happening all across this country isn’t right, and this is our small way of lending support and solidarity to folks who need it,” she said.
Kersey highlighted the collective decision made by her employees to support the cause.
“I’m grateful for businesses who are brave enough and willing to speak out in support, show support for immigrant folks in this country and for protesters who are looking to make their point of view known,” she said.
Hawkins mentioned her willingness to endure minor inconveniences for the sake of change.
“If it’s a little inconvenience for me, that’s not a big deal because things do need to change,” she said.
Marchetti added her perspective on immigration.
“We need legal immigrants. But we need them to be able to come legally,” she said.
Great Harvest Bread Company’s closure is a part of a broader movement to highlight and support immigration reform efforts nationwide.
