Springfield, Mass. (WGGB) – Celebrating peace and good neighbors — that’s what members of the Mayor’s Citywide Violence Prevention Task Force did tonight.

The task force is made up of several groups, all dedicated to keeping Springfield safe — and members say it’s growing.

“The violence task force is growing, it seems to increase every month. More and more people are becoming aware of what the task force is and what we do,” said Earl Harrington of the Spingfield Shannon Program.

Others said it’s a nice opportunity to get together.

“We love to see family members come out and support each other and be positive. They see the positive things we can do in Springrfield,” said Samantha Hamilton of  Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services.

This year marks the 20-th anniversary of the task force, and founding members were acknowledged tonight.