With rampant unemployment and with encroaching mortgage bills, many families in Cicero will find themselves with nothing to share over a dinner table during the holidays. That is unless the Torch Club at the Boys Club of Cicero has anything to say about it.

A small leadership and service group within the larger organization, the Torch Club -- comprised of youth between the ages of 10 and 16 -- has been organizing a canned food drive to help out needy families during this time of giving.

“It’s very difficult time right now,” said Edgar Montiel, assistant director of the Boys Club of Cicero and advisor to the Torch Club. “Since Cicero is comprised of so many working class families, the holiday season may be particularly difficult for some of our neighbors.”

In order to help out, the CBC Torch Club has been hard at work, spreading the word about their endeavor both within the organization and outside of it.

“We started by posting some signs and decorating a box to hold the food. We’ve talked to [Boys Club] members, parents, and alumni to help contribute to our project,” said Montiel. “We are hoping the donations will start picking up by the end of this week”

It seems donations have picked up. According to Montiel, thanks to the efforts of the Torch Club, at least a few families won’t go hungry, although the Torch Club hasn’t voted where the food will be donated.

Yet, it seems that in addition to helping out families this holiday season, the Torch Club may have also gained something in return.

“I think the youth are learning the value of teamwork,” said Montiel. “They are realizing that it’s our job to help Cicero. We are the community; ...