The club presented Sunnyvale Community Services with a $2,500 grant. At its April 5 meeting, the grant will go toward an ongoing fund to buy a van. So far the group has raised about $10,000 over the past couple of years.

Pat Vorreiter, who is the chairwoman of Rotary's community grants program, said the club selected Sunnyvale Community Services as one of its recipients because it provides a needed service for the community.

The nonprofit gives financial assistance and food to homeless and low-income residents and helps seniors live independently.

"They serve a significant portion of the Sunnyvale community," Vorreiter said. "That population is doing nothing but growing."

She's right. Sunnyvale Community Services' slogan is, "Our business is booming, and that's not good." Tivol said the organization serves about 1,150 families a month, which is a significant increase from the 752 families it served two years ago. She attributed the community services' "business boom" to a dip in the valley's economy and a growing population of seniors whose pensions cannot cover the rising cost of living.

Because of the boost in clientele, community services needs more donations. Tivol said she relies on staff members or volunteers with cars to pick up the donations.

"[Having a van] will mean that we can get more things and take advantage of more donations," Tivol said.

Vorreiter said the Sunnyvale Rotary Club wants to raise enough money to purchase a van by the end of the year. She added she isn't sure how much money the club needs to raise because members hope to negotiate a reasonable price with an auto dealer.

Those who want to make a donation can contact Sunnyvale Rotary Club President Mike Klein at 408.736.2056.