The air was cold, and the snow and ice from last week’s storm still covered the ground as night fell.

But on Bluff Avenue on Saturday, “Bright Nights” shone through.

Luminarias lined snowpiles along the street’s sidewalks, and groups of neighbors – masked and distanced – looked on as the brightly lit home of Jen and Kasey Minuto played host to a special evening of music and community.

An illuminated sleigh in the couple’s driveway – the “Soul Sleigh,” as it has been dubbed – was fill and surrounded by bags of donated food and personal items. What was collected would be given to support the mission of Amos House, a local nonprofit that serves the state’s homeless population and others living in poverty.

“I think we may have started a tradition,” Jen told those gathered after she and Kasey performed several songs, including a Joni Mitchell tune and several Christmas carols.

Another group of carolers, including Janita Ducharme, Jonathan Cox, Matthew King and Dania Hadi, also performed during the gathering, offering their renditions of several popular songs as they moved up and down the street.

Jen said the idea for the luminarias originated with another Bluff Avenue resident, Adrienne Kee, as well as Liz Hallock, as a means to “connect us all in love and giving.” Kasey then proposed expanding the “Bright Nights” plan to include a collection drive for Amos House.

The event was held over two weekends, starting on Dec. 13. On that night, Jen said, her and Kasey’s front lawn was filled with donations.

“This whole street has come together,” she said, noting that people also participated from other streets in Edgewood – and even communities like Middletown.

Liz, who brought the first weekend’s items to Amos House along with her boyfriend, Kwaku Annan, said the pandemic has created significant challenges for the nonprofit. While the organization is preparing meals, she said, it is unable to have large groups in its dining hall, so it is preparing food for distribution to shelters.

“They need a lot of toiletries and supplies for the shelters this year,” she added.

Looking ahead, Jen said she and the other organizers hope to continue “Bright Nights,” perhaps as a twice-yearly event with gatherings around the holidays and again in the summer.

As for the success of the first year’s effort, Jen credited her neighbors.

“It really is everyone who’s done this,” she said.