Nancy Tivol, executive director of the community center, said that her office originally estimated serving 1,200 families this month, but at the rate families are signing up—more than 800 have already applied—they will easily exceed that mark.

Due to recent economic troubles and local layoffs, Tivol said the need for donations and help is higher than ever this year. To make sure there are enough items to go around, Tivol said the center is still looking for donations.

"Once it starts, everyone is going to get the same amount, we can't say 'You've got an appointment at a later date, so you get less,'" Tivol said.

The center—held in community services' new 725 Kifer Road building—is set up to resemble a supermarket and gift store, where each family gets to select one household item, a gift for each child, and a two-week supply of food.

There is a big need this year for high-protein foods, household items such as towels, and gifts for 7- to 12-year-old boys, including sports equipment, electronics and Legos.

Although the supermarket-style center is closing down on Dec. 18 in order to get the warehouse back in full capacity for the start of the new year, Tivol said food and gifts will be available until Christmas Eve.

Interested families need to stop by the community center offices on Kifer to make appointments to come in.

Anyone interested in donating can stop by the offices at 725 Kifer Road in Sunnyvale between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays, or call the Christmas center's main desk at 408.746.XMAS.

For a full wish list or for more information on the Community Christmas Center or Sunnyvale Community Services, visit http://www.svcommunityservices.org or call 408.738.4321.