MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Thousands of people are signing an online petition created by a California Target employee to give back Thanksgiving.

This week the Minnesota-based retailer announced it would be opening its doors at 9 p.m. Thanksgiving night. Competitor Wal-Mart plans to kick off Black Friday shopping at 8 p.m.

After the receiving the news, Casey Renee felt the need to do something.

“I thought it was interesting,” she said. “The first year I worked the 4 a.m. opening. Last year’s opening at midnight was pushing it. By the time I left around 8 a.m., I was absolutely exhausted.”

On her petition page, Renee says she works two jobs. She’s a substitute teacher during the day, and at night she works at the Target store in Corona, Cali. Thanksgiving is the only day she can spend with her family.

At 8 p.m. Monday night the petition had more than 170,000 signatures. Once it reaches 200,000, she plans to deliver the petition to Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel.

“Target can take the high road and save Thanksgiving for employees like me and our families by saying no to ‘Thanksgiving Creep’,” she said.

To see the petition, click here.