Lufkin community shows wave of support for Confections bakery following ‘cookie controversy’

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - An East Texas bakery owner has been overwhelmed by support over her decision to sell rainbow cookies in recognition of Pride Month.

Who would expect a tiny bakery tucked in downtown Lufkin, Texas can influence tolerance worldwide?

One customer at a time, Confections co-owner Miranda Dolder and her rainbow cookies, are doing just that.

“I was a little surprised about the canceled order,” Solder said. “My sister was very offended.

Miranda’s sister posted disappointment on their social media page. Suddenly, customers lined up around the block.

“I was shocked at the outpouring support and families waiting like two hours in line to get a cookie, with their kids,” Dolder said. “And bringing them in. It was an amazing teaching moment.”

The customers still come. Some out of gratitude.

“They gave me a piece of hope,” said Austin Rozelle, a customer from Nacogdoches. “And I appreciate them for it.”

Others went out of their way to show their appreciation for acceptance even in the heart of the Bible Belt.

“I’m a believer and that Jesus died for every one of us, black, white, gay, straight,” said Daniel Burgess, a customer from Hudson.

“The community has been really amazing, Dolder said. “I think everyone has been surprised that good ole East Texas, East Texans are so supportive.”

The goal now for Confections, as well as for many of her customers, is to show their tolerance on a daily basis. And not just wait for something like a bakery having overwhelming business over a rainbow cookie.

“I think people like to show they care and this was like the way to show it, by buying a cookie,” Dolder said.

It is an outpouring of sweetness from a shop that is doing more than baking just another cookie.

Some people have sent in donations to confections. The owners say that money is being sent to their favorite charities.

Another family purchased the bakery’s entire inventory.

Tomorrow at noon, children will hand out free pride cookies in front of the store on West Shepherd Avenue.

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