I got the invite, loved the idea, and then drove through ice and snow to get to Kristin’s house. I had my hockey boots on (I call them that because I think they look like hockey skates…and we all know how much I LOVE boots!)…but I may as well have been wearing skates because they didn’t help get me up Kristin’s driveway. As I’m digging my heel into the ice I’m hoping I don’t slip and fall and embarrass myself before I’m really supposed to embarrass myself (I always do…it’s just a matter of time).

I got to the porch and rang the doorbell, really kinda hoping I was in the right place. I didn't know what to expect when that door opened. When it did, however, well, I can’t even explain. It was like seeing an old friend.

Kristin Dewey and I had never met. I spoke with her on the phone, wrote a story about her, attended her fundraising event, but we had never met until that moment. I was so grateful to get an invitation to this social/networking/fundraising get-together, but I didn’t’ know what to do. I thought, as I trudged up the driveway by myself, I’d be sitting in the corner by myself. But it was not like that—at all!  Kristin and I instantly connected.

She introduced me to the women in her kitchen, and we, too, instantly connected. And I realize why: We were there for the same purpose--- to give back.

Kristin had the idea of the South Shore Giving Circle. But it's not such a new idea: “Giving circles are built on old traditions dating back hundreds of years to mutual aid societies and other forms of giving…This form of philanthropy  consists of a group of individuals who pool their funds and other resources to donate to their communities.”

Every third Thursday of the month the members of the South Shore Giving Circle (there are about 20 of us) gather at a house--- or someone’s shop or restaurant---- to, well, socialize. We each bring an item for a local food pantry, and then we talk about the different charities we support, among other things! At the end of the night we each throw $20 into the kitty. At this rate, by the end of the year we will have close to $5,000 to give to a charity (which we will collectively agree on).  Causes include: Disaster relief, educational programs, impoverished families, health or environmental issues…the net is cast wide.

That first night, the significance of the meeting sunk in quick: Sitting in Kristin’s kitchen, among so many women whom I didn’t know--- but felt that I did---I knew I was part of something much bigger than myself. We were there for a greater good, which made this fun, social evening so special.

Cheers to my South Shore Giving Circle Girls!!!!

By Stephanie Neil

Stephanie Neil is a journalist. Her business, technology, and human interest stories have appeared in a variety of print and online newspapers and magazines including eWeek, Managing Automation, The Harvard Alumni Bulletin, Huggies Baby Network, South Shore Woman, and The Boston Globe.  She lives on the South Shore with her two kids, two cats, and a dog. Contact info: stephanieneil@comcast.net  or 781-378-1652. Follow her on Twitter @StephanieNeil