Pannese Society delivering 40 food baskets for the holidays

“There’s nothing – absolutely nothing – that gives me greater joy around this time every year than seeing these baskets overflowing with food,” said Joseph Spremlli, who at age 87 is still the driving force and serves as president of the storied Pannese Society. “This means that a lot of families in Johnston will be able to have a Christmas dinner!”

Spremulli filled large plastic laundry baskets with nonperishable foods at his Johnston home, along with fellow members David Venditelli and Louis Mansolillo, then transported them to Our Lady of Grace Church for the actual distribution that took place earlier this week.

“Our [Pannese Society] Food Basket Program is a combined effort of sponsors, special supporters and the church,” Spremulli said. “Simply because Father [Peter J.] Gower and his staff know exactly what families need help for their Christmas dinners.”

The actual delivery of more than 40 food baskets is a two-fold effort, because as Spremulli mused: “The spiral hams we provide are too big for the baskets, so we make a double delivery. And the people who receive these baskets are thrilled that they’ll have a special Christmas dinner.”

While the 110-year-old Pannese Society raises money for such programs that benefit needy families in Johnston, Spremulli wanted it known that Columbus Door has been the major sponsor for the drive.

“We’ve lost our great friend and member [Columbus Door owner] Bill Costantino, who passed away last year around this time,” Spremulli said. “But his brother David [Costantino] – who is also a proud member of our society – is on board and vows to keep this tradition going in his beloved brother’s memory.”

Columbus Door, which is located on Warwick Avenue in Warwick, heads the list of sponsors that help make the Pannese Society Food Basket Drive an overwhelming success. The others are Stop & Shop of Johnston, the Atwood Avenue branch of TD Bank and BJ’s Wholesale Club.

“This is an important part of what the Pannese Society has been doing to help families in need for many, many years,” David Costantino said. “On behalf of my brother Bill, Columbus Door and our brothers and sisters of the Pannesse Society, this [drive] makes Christmas extra special for each and every one of us.”