The Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley kicked off its holiday food basket wish list Tuesday with a $1,500 donation from Pardee Homes that helps pay for food baskets for about 40 families cared for by the center.

But the center, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, still needs help from the community for its fifth annual food drive set to take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at Whole Foods Market, 24130 Valencia Blvd.

"We have a lot more clients," said Gail Ortiz, vice president of the Domestic Violence Shelter of the SCV.

Along with an increase in new clients who visit the shelter and receive counseling services, the center has taken more hotline calls, Ortiz said.

One of the biggest areas of growth has been the Spanish-language services for women, she said.

Ortiz attributes the growth to the valley's increasing population, the recession and the shelter's outreach efforts for the rise in demand.

Saturday's food drive for nonperishable items will also include a mix of events including a story time from noon to 1:30 p.m. with Jim Figueroa, author of "Clarence the Clown and His Not So Special Day." Live entertainment and a Toys for Tots collection drive are scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. There will also be a
family cookie dough-making party.

The number for Whole Foods is (661) 260-2377 and the Domestic Violence Shelter of SCV's non-emergency number is (661) 259-8175.