A Columbus bakery is turning a familiar comfort into direct support for immigrant families in Central Ohio.
The Original Goodie Shop announced this week that it has sold more than 3,700 donation cookies as part of a fundraising effort supporting families impacted by immigration enforcement. The bakery says demand has been so strong that its small team has been working extra hours and days off to keep the cookies stocked, with no plans to cap daily sales.
The donation cookie was inspired by a blue bunny hat worn by five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, whose detention by federal immigration agents drew national attention in recent weeks. Liam and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, were detained in January after returning home from preschool in the Minneapolis area and were later taken to a federal detention facility in Texas.
Following a court order from a U.S. district judge, Liam and his father were released and returned home earlier this month while their asylum case proceeds.
For every cookie sold, $1 is being donated locally, split between Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS) and Our Helpers, two organizations that provide support to immigrant families in Central Ohio.
According to the bakery, the donation cookie will be available at least through Saturday and likely into next week, depending on capacity.
Balancing Business and Community
In an earlier post, The Original Goodie Shop acknowledged that continuing to promote everyday offerings like King Cakes, Valentine’s cookie boxes, and Irish soda bread has felt uncomfortable given the current climate.
“Posting ‘business as usual’ on social media has felt tone-deaf lately,” the bakery wrote. “But we need to nurture the business’ health and keep it running for our employees and community.”
The shop emphasized that it remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming space while also finding tangible ways to support those who are hurting.
In addition to the cookies themselves, the bakery is also selling the custom cookie cutter used for the design, with profits from those sales donated as well.
A Broader Community Response
The Original Goodie Shop also recognized other local businesses that have used their platforms to support immigrant families, including Cambridge Tea House, Pattycake Bakery, and Three Bites Bakery.
The bakery noted that community support has gone beyond purchases, encouraging customers who have had positive experiences to leave kind reviews as a way to help small businesses navigate an especially challenging moment.
For now, the focus remains on keeping the ovens on and the cookies coming.
“Our goal is to make as many as we possibly can,” the bakery shared.
For Columbus residents looking for a small but meaningful way to support immigrant families locally, it’s one cookie at a time.
