It’s the holiday season, a time for sharing, caring, fellowship and warm thoughts.

In Northampton Borough, Mario’s Pizza Shops has been a harbor of comfort, good conversation and outstanding food for thousands since 1979.

To thank their customers for their loyalty, owners Giovanni Aiello and Tony Grigoli wanted to show their appreciation and give back to the community.

“It’s something we decided to do for our customer base this holiday season,” Aiello said.

Aiello and Grigoli advised Mario’s patrons via Facebook and by word of mouth to enter a contest on their new website, mariospizza-northampton.com, from Nov. 1 to 30, 2016, for a chance to win two free pizzas per month for 2017.

Local resident Josh Katrick, 36, entered the contest and was surprised when he came up in a random drawing of some 1,200 contestants.

When Katrick learned recently he was the lucky winner, he had just left an appointment for a chemotherapy treatment. In July, he was diagnosed with colon cancer.

“When I learned of the good news, I thought that was so cool. Two pizzas a month for 12 months,” Katrick said.

“What happened next astonished all of us,” said Frank Grigoli, Mario’s business manager.

Katrick emailed the Mario’s ownership and said he would like to pay it forward and donate the pizzas to the Northampton Area Food Bank - to spread some joy to other folks.

“I have been so very fortunate in receiving support, prayers and compassion from family members, friends, including my best friend Melanie, co-workers and people I don’t even know that I wanted to spread the joy,” Katrick said.

“We greatly appreciate all of the donations to the Northampton (Area) Food Bank during the holiday season and throughout the year,” the Rev. Martin Nuscher, president of the food bank board of directors, said after hearing of the donation.

“His gesture struck a heartfelt chord,” Grigioli said.

Mario’s shop owners were so inspired by the random act of kindness, they decided to sweeten the pot by providing both Katrick and the Northampton Area Food Bank with two free pizzas a month for the entire year.

“When we received the email from Josh learning he wanted to donate all of the pizzas, it didn’t feel right in our hearts for him not to receive anything, which is why we decided to match his donation,” Grigoli said.

In this season of giving, Katrick, Aiello and Grigoli hope this story is one that warms the hearts of many.