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1000s Sign Up For San Jose Food And Toy Giveaways

SAN JOSE (KCBS)_ An estimated 6,000 people stood in a line at Sacred Heart Community Service at Alma and 1st Streets in San Jose on Saturday. Many of them waited with their children in strollers in a line that was blocks long to register and receive holiday food boxes and toys.

Even as the stock market rebounds and company profits improve, poverty is still visible in Silicon Valley.

Poncho Guevara, executive director of Sacred Heart Community Services claimed to have never seen anything like Saturday morning's crowds.

"We'll see over 6,000 people coming through to register just for the opportunity to actually get a special holiday service this season," said Guevara.

KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:

He added some statistics that show the growth of poverty in Santa Clara County and how it's gone up 10 percent and that 15 percent of children in his community are living in poverty.

"A lot of people are struggling and those numbers are right here at Sacred Heart," said Guevara.

Among those in line included Laci Rothacker of San Jose who waited with her children.

"I'm out on worker's comp right now. With my back injury, it's really hard on our family," said the mother. "Sometimes you might not be able to afford the stuff that we have, so we're just thankful for everything we get and it helps."

She hopes to have a nice holiday with her family and ensure Santa brings toys for her kids.

Sacred Heart is reaching out for financial, food and toy donations to be able to fill those holiday boxes.

(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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