As coordinator of the annual toy drive, Baylis oversees dozens of volunteers, thousands of donated toys and helps warm hundreds of hearts over the holiday season.

"I think I could run a ToysRUs," she said, referring to the overload of toys that pour in to the station starting the day after Halloween.

Since the college is in session until Dec. 12, volunteers will have only two days to magically transform the school's utilitarian cafeteria into a winter wonderland, complete with trees, elves and "departments" for more than 10,000 toys and gifts expected to line the shelves.

The store will open the evening of Dec. 14 with an ice cream social for the families served by the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children's Cancer.

On Dec. 15 and 16, the store will be open for business, offering parents the chance to select one toy for each child registered in the program. Gifts will be wrapped on site and waiting children will be entertained in the Student Center foyer near the COC bookstore.

Families who receive the services of various community groups, such as the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry and the Child and Family Center must pre-register at either the Newhall or Canyon Country Boys and Girls Club on Nov. 15, 16, 27 or 28 to get vouchers for their families.

Applicants must bring proof that they live in the Santa Clarita Valley as well as a birth certificate and immunization records for each child that lives in the home.

"We don't want to qualify people, but we have to do something to make sure we spread the wealth and don't have double-dipping," she said. "We also don't want them to be scared off because we're law enforcement; if they are low-income or in need, we're here to help out."

"This space is overwhelming compared to what we're used to," Baylis said. "There's plenty of room for crafts and Santa while the kids are waiting. We'll also be able to run more people through at a time."

"This community is amazing," she continued, noting the generosity of donors, many of who remain anonymous. "We get everything we need. It is the most overwhelming thing. You don't realize how many people out there care."

Starting Nov. 1, donations of new, unwrapped toys start coming in, from individuals with big hearts to groups holding toy drives and businesses with barrels in their lobbies. Baylis said that donations coming from school children seemed to reflect the donors - toys that are age-appropriate or something they themselves might enjoy.

What they especially need are donations of items or gift cards for teenagers and clothing, soft toys and even diapers for babies. Any leftover items will be donated to churches, park programs or other groups serving the needy.

Volunteers are needed to work in the days before the event as well as the event itself. People are needed to pick up toys and supplies, feed the workers, help at registration and a variety of other tasks.

"If you have an hour or a day, we can put you to work," Baylis said.

Those feeling in the holiday mood a little earlier can help with a Thanksgiving program the sheriff's department coordinates with the Food Pantry for delivery in mid-November.

Donors are asked to fill a large (about the size that holds several reams of copy paper) box with nonperishable items suitable for a family's breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Food Pantry will complement those donations with certificates for a turkey and pie or grocery gift cards.

To help with either or both projects, contact Baylis at (661) 799-5164.