WHO WE ARE
Tough Cookies Rhode Island is a family-run volunteer project by the Bernaba family of South County that bakes homemade cookies for active-duty and retired service members. What began in our kitchen in the winter of 2023 has grown into a joyful pilgrimage to visit with and honor local heroes.
Our family and the friends who join us mix, bake, and pack every batch by hand. We believe homemade cookies are the sweetest way to show our gratitude to those who have served our country.
WHAT WE DO
We bake. Every cookie is made from scratch in small batches in a cottage kitchen.
We pack. Each delivery is boxed with care and includes a handwritten note of thanks.
We deliver. We bring cookies to service members at home, work, and other locations across Rhode Island.
You help. Donations cover ingredients, packaging, and delivery, and nominations tell us who deserves a sweet thank-you.
Delivering cookies to Sgt. Major Jodie Dove at the Rhode Island National Guard facility in Cranston, Rhode Island in December of 2025.
Michael continued his brother's service project when he was an 8th grader, and they are still going strong!
Matthew and Michael were featured by NBC 10 WJAR's Show Us Something Good in January 2025.