In the heart of Takoma Park, Maryland, a charming family-owned bookstore named People’s Book is shining brightly with purpose and positivity. This delightful independent bookstore has recently taken a heartwarming step by deciding to donate all proceeds from the sale of a United States Senator’s latest book to a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting immigrants.

A bright yellow wooden sign outside the store proudly announces, "People's Book: Make a billionaire angry today, shop local!" embodying the spirit of community and local support.

Senator David McCormick, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, has made securing the borders a key focus of his political agenda. His campaign outlines a commitment to enhancing border security and providing necessary resources to border patrol agents. Recently, he voted in favor of a significant funding bill for immigration enforcement, which has sparked a variety of reactions across the community.

In a thoughtful response to the current political climate, People’s Book decided to take action when approached by McCormick’s lobbyists to purchase 500 copies of his book, "Who Believed In You." Co-owner Matt Bormet expressed their sentiment perfectly: “While we don’t want to be in business with someone who is partially responsible for the current crisis, we also don’t support banning books. So we filled the request. But in order to live our values, we’re taking his money and giving it to folks who can do some good with it.”

The bookstore has already made a significant impact, donating over $7,000 from the book sales to CASA, a nationwide organization that provides vital legal and social services to immigrant communities. Bormet emphasized the store's commitment to supporting families and individuals affected by policies that threaten their well-being, stating, “Independent bookstores do not support breaking up immigrant families, violent secret police, or the attempts to erase trans people. This is a small way of pushing back on that agenda.”

This initiative is just one of many that showcase People’s Book's dedication to their values. Earlier this year, when federal workers faced layoffs due to political decisions, the bookstore launched “Fed Fridays,” offering free coffee, books, and a welcoming space for those impacted. Bormet expressed empathy for the community, noting, “I’m disappointed that our community has to face this challenge right now. It’s totally unnecessary and insulting to people who have put their lives into public service. It’s nice to be able to do a little bit of something for them.”

The efforts of People’s Book have not gone unnoticed. Ninfa Amador, a policy manager at CASA, expressed gratitude for the bookstore’s generous acts, highlighting how they embody the vision of a more just world.

For the Bormets, it’s all about standing firm with their community. They shared a simple yet profound message on social media: “We stand with our community.” Their actions reflect a commitment to kindness, compassion, and the belief in the power of local businesses to make a difference.

In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, People’s Book serves as a beacon of hope and goodness, reminding us of the impact that small, thoughtful actions can have on our communities.