Prayer vigils in Peoria this year began as a way to unite the community against crime and remember the victims of violence.

Participants have said residents are just as responsible as elected leaders are in curbing crime. Bbut fewer are showing up to help one grassroots effort to stop the violence.

And that was evident at an anti-crime vigil in Peoria Tuesday night.

Community activist Carl Cannon says the rallies and prayer vigils have been successful. And he's trying to encourage people not to quit when it gets quiet.

"Criminals! Can you hear me now? Enough!"

It all started early in 2007. Hundreds of people gathered under two small tents in the cold and rain to take a stand against violence. January first marked the first murder of the year, .and a new commitment to honor those who died at the hands of violence.

"My goal, our goal, at the end of the day is we'll never talk about this again for the rest of the year. I'm very optimistic," said Cannon in January.

Although many left inspired...the killings did not end...and neither did the vigils. Children have hoisted signs with messages of hope and strangers have embraced strangers...praying together with faith for the future.

"This is a good example to show them that we are a family. We are a community that is a family."

On Tuesday, the story had changed. Cannon was forced to work the neighborhood streets. "We're just trying to have a prayer vigil. We need you! I see you! Come on down!"

During a vigil Tuesday to honor murder victim Robert Cotton, community activist Carl Cannon said he felt like a politician, .trying to convince residents to get behind the cause. Still, despite the turnout, he says he's not discouraged.

"When we get discouraged we quit, when we quit, they win, and when they win, we lose this neighborhood," said Cannon.

Cannon says there is strength in numbers, and although those numbers are dwindling at the vigils, faith is not.

"When two or more are gathered in his name he is present. So, we're going to be okay. We're going to keep gathering."

Cannon says he is still committed to hold a vigil for every person who falls victim to the hands of violence...no matter how many people show up.