This year has proved to be filled with financial difficulties for many South Bay families due to the loss of jobs in the airline and tourism industries. Catholic Charities St. Margaret's Center in Lennox has taken on the stepped in to help --- with the assistance of many valuable volunteers --- to make sure every needy family receives help.

Since the events on Sept. 11, 2001, the center has experienced a 40 percent increase in clients. The center serves approximately 14,000 people annually who live in Inglewood, Lennox, Hawthorne, Westchester and El Segundo, all in close proximity of the Los Angeles International Airport.

Problems securing government funding has lead the center to increasingly rely on volunteers to guarantee that services are not interrupted.

"I wanted to use my education to help people," said AmeriCorps volunteer Robert Casillas. "I think it is a great experience for young people like me and I enjoy helping the Catholic Charities in their mission."