David Venditelli, first-year president of the ageless Pannese Society of Rhode Island, wasn’t sure if the proud Italian-American non-profit set a record, but this week noted: “We are really, really happy to continue to this terrific tradition.”

It’s an ageless act of giving that began with former President Joe Spremulli, that made sure families in need had a Christmas dinner.

Backed by David Costantino of famed Columbus Door in Warwick, who Venditelli called a “special and super sponsor,” the Pannese Society made two holiday traditions that were not interrupted by the COVID-19 Pandemic or any other obstacle.

Venditelli, along with Pannese Society Vice President Jason Parenteau, Secretary Louis Mansolillo and Treasurer Stephen Russo made a special delivery of 36 spiral hams and $25 gift cards for Stop & Shop that the group said “complimented the Christmas Food Baskets provided each and every year by Our Lady of Grace Church in Johnston.”

Needless to say, Rev. Peter J. Gower — the popular pastor at the Roman Catholic Church that’s located at 4 Lafayette St. in Johnston — was thrilled with what he called “the Pannese Society’s generous acts of giving” that began many years ago because people like Spremulli never, ever liked hearing about people’s struggles so the membership made sure families in need enjoyed a Christmas dinner.

The Pannese Society’s annual and awesome act of giving wasn’t just limited to Our Lady of Grace, as Venditelli announced “we will be bringing an additional 20 spiral hams to the Johnston Senior Center to be donated as needed.”

As has been the custom in recent years, the Pannese Society made those donations in memory of the late William “Bill” Costantino — a club member who also owned and operated Columbus Door with his brother David, but passed away two years ago.