Brighter Christmas’ first day of taking applications brought a line of families and seniors that stretched out the Tracy Community Center’s doors and down the sidewalk along East Street.

“Looks like we might have more this year,” said Brighter Christmas director Gene Birk, as he glanced down the line two hours after the doors opened.

Brighter Christmas, a community effort to assure that everyone in the Tracy area has Christmas dinner and presents, served 600 poor families last year.

Three-year-old Cindy Banales climbed atop a chair at the application tables as if it were Santa’s lap.

“I want a Bratz (doll),” she told one Brighter Christmas volunteer. “And good food.”

Her mother, Martha Banales, requested toys and dolls for Cindy and her five brothers and sisters for Christmas.

“The kids aren’t picky,” she said. “They’re just excited to have gifts to open. I can’t give them that.”

Banales, an unemployed mother of six, added that she’s not asking for any gifts for herself. She’s just relieved to be able to put gifts under the tree this year.

Brighter Christmas volunteer Marta Holm helped several Spanish-speaking families apply for the program Tuesday. In the past, she’s visited applicants’ homes to ensure the family is truly in need of a food basket and gifts.

“It’s heartbreaking to see how some of these families live,” she said. “But this is something that’s in my heart to do, and it’s great to be a part of this program that helps so many.”

Qualified families and every senior who applies will receive a food basket with a 20-pound turkey, fresh bread, tortillas and canned food, and gifts for each child. The food baskets and gifts can be picked up at Williams Middle School on Dec. 22, or they will be delivered to families that lack transportation.

Applications will also be accepted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at 375 E. Ninth St. Families must bring photo identification for all members, including children, Medi-Cal cards and proof of address and income.

To contact reporter Danielle MacMurchy, call 830-4280 or e-mail danielle@tracypress.com.