Just the words “front porch” conjure up nostalgic thoughts of neighborliness, conversations and friends.

Such aptly describes the Front Porch Giving Circle, founded in 2005 and celebrating its 10th anniversary this month in the historic Old North End home of Paula Munger.

This group of 35 women, each of whom pledges $1 a day for 365 days, met during the year to hear presentations from nonprofit groups and individuals making a difference “for people in need,” said the hostess. It’s a perfect opportunity for members to educate themselves about groups and projects that will be the focus of their pooled philanthropy, she explained.

Then the group votes on grants to be awarded to the recipients who are on hand for the festive holiday Giving Party.

Dianne Reitan of Partners in Housing, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2016, thanked the group for the grant and the collection of much-needed “stuff” dropped off in boxes on the front porch by those arriving. “Stuff” included household cleaning products, disposable goods and paper goods used by the families setting up homes.

Colleen Wade represented her son’s Ryan’s Case for Smiles project sewing and decorating cheerful pillowcases for kids with cancer.

Board member Beau Kelly received a large collection of books for Court Care, where each child cared for while a parent has business in the judicial building takes home a book. Chris Aaby’s grant for Catamount Institute will go for after-school club scholarship help. Debbie English explained that Teen Court’s grant will also help with scholarships, saying, “Thank you for investing in your future.” Kim Schultz, conductor of the Choral Society’s Chamber Singers, said the money will help more high school students participate in “X-VOX: Generations joined in Song” in April.

Survivors of sexual abuse will be empowered with the art project “Finding Our Voices” at Cottonwood, said Joyce Aubrey. Heather Hendrick accepted a grant to assist families helped through Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs.

Over the years the Front Porch Giving Circle has distributed funds to over 40 organizations, Munger told the group as they snacked on Christmas goodies and sipped eggnog poured by her husband, Dave.

Then, to celebrate 10 years, the group had a Champagne toast and heard from the first presenter, Linda Ellegard of Special Kids Special Families.

More photos: gazettedev.gazette.com/life/around-town