It’s no secret that Joseph Spremulli, the ageless president of the Pannese Society of Rhode Island, has made a habit of helping people in need, especially during the holiday season.

“I don’t like seeing people struggle, especially when it comes to food,” Spremulli, who will soon turn 88, said recently while loading up a record number of food baskets that the Pannese Society donated to Our Lady of Grace Church Food Drive, which annually helps families in need during the holiday season. “Our society has made this a tradition.”