Ellie’s and Gracie’s are two beloved Providence dining spots celebrated for their warm vibes, exquisite cuisine, and top-notch service. Founder Ellen Slattery extends that same spirit of hospitality each fall when her elves at Ellie’s bake thousands of gingerbread cookies for the Warm-A-Heart Gingerbread Program. Each brown kraft paper box is tied with a red-and-white gingham bow, making it a thoughtful gift that’s part-activity, part-treat.
Co-founded by Joe Conlan and Slattery, this sweet campaign directs all net proceeds toward local community support. This year, Johnson & Wales University donated ingredients and produced 2,000 cookies. Dedicated volunteers then gather at ReFocus – a non-profit serving adults with differing physical and developmental needs – to assemble kits that include an 8-inch gingerbread person, packaged candies, and icing.
This year The Warm-A-Heart Gingerbread Program donated $38,800 to organizations providing essential services and support throughout the state, including $15,000 to FeedRI to support the Feed the Future program establishing food pantries in high-need school districts for fresh food access; $4,000 to Mathewson Street Church to fund one month of meals for individuals experiencing homelessness; $4,000 to Boys Town for youth facing challenging circumstances; $4,000 to Foster Forward supporting youth impacted by foster care and child welfare efforts; $4,300 to City Year providing coats, hats, mittens, hygiene items, and essential supplies for students in need; and $4,000 to Brown Health Cancer Centers to support cancer patients and their families. The program also donated an additional $500 each to Angels in the Community, Higher Ground International, Refugee Dream Center, Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Camp Street Community Ministries, Mount Hope Learning Center, and Family Services of Rhode Island.
“When Ellen and I launched Warm-A-Heart Gingerbread 17 years ago, our goal was simple: bring people together for the holidays while giving back,” shares Conlan. “We never anticipated how far this tradition would grow. Each year, we are deeply moved by the incredible generosity of our volunteers, business partners, and local families.” The 2026 program is proudly presented by Bank of America, with sponsorship from Hasbro and contributions from individual donors.
Find Warm-A-Heart Gingerbread Kits at Ellie’s, Gracie’s, and The Miriam Hospital in Providence; Belmont Market in Wakefield; and Dave’s Fresh Marketplace locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, Smithfield, and Warwick. Kits are also available online at ElliesProv.com/gingerbread.
