"It's too easy to say 31 people were killed,” said David Pasinski, a Fayetteville resident. “That's tragic, but when you give these names, it takes a personal note."

That's especially true for David Pasinski, who says the shooting in El Paso, Texas hit close to home, since he spent the beginning of June helping refugees in that city.

"That was the Walmart we had been and people had given us money to buy supplies for,” said Pasinski. “It just sickened us."

He was sad to see the hatred erupt in that area on Saturday morning, and take the lives of at least 22 people.

Then, just 13 hours later, a second shooting outside a popular bar in Dayton Ohio, killed nine people.

Both shootings left dozens injured.

"It's just overwhelming,” said Pasinski. “We can't keep doing this."

"It's just so so sad that we aren't letting the tragedies move us to action," said Tim Hart, a Central Square resident.

But it pushed this group of Central New Yorkers to gather at the Peacemaker Sanctuary to honor the victims and discuss solutions –- starting with stricter gun control and more mental health services in school.

"Trying to give these people a support system, instead of reaching for a rifle, assault weapon, they reach to somebody who is out there to talk to,” said Hart.

They also hope to teach students about diversity at a younger age at the same time. 

"Putting in curriculums a way for people to get to know people of other races, culture religions so they can find out how much alike we are,” said Hart.

Believing this will encourage unity and help people find the light.

"We can never allow darkness to overcome our hope,” said Ralph Singh, an Elbridge resident.

"I continue to have hope,” said Pasinski.

But he says the violence will only end if everyone works together.