Topeka (WIBW) - More Topeka area families are asking for help to have a happy holiday.

Registration for the United Way's Christmas Bureau ended Thursday night.

The organization says preliminary numbers show 2900 households applied for adoption this year. That's up about 200 from last year.

The United Way also says the gift requests center on basic necessities, such as clothing, blankets and towels instead of toys. They also say a lot of single people are asking only for food.

People who would like to adopt a family may call the Christmas Bureau hotline at 785-273-4801. Call volume is usually high, so people may have to leave a message. Adoption information is also available at the United Way's web site, www.unitedwaytopeka.org.

How to Adopt a Family:

Online: To adopt an individual or family through United Way’s Christmas Bureau, the quickest way is to visit United Way’s website and select the Christmas Bureau link on the left side of the page. A downloadable adoption form is available as well as a family cost table which details how much it costs to adopt various sizes of families.

In Person: One can visit United Way in person to get a form or donate money. United Way’s offices are located at 1315 SW Arrowhead.

Hotline: A hotline is also available for information on adopting 785.273.4801, but due to heavy call volume it may take a few days to be called back.

Other Ways to Help:

Cash Donation: Or, if unable to shop for a family, adopters can also give. Personal shoppers volunteer each year and turn donations into Christmas miracles for people throughout the community. Donors can give in person at United Way’s offices (1315 Arrowhead) or visit www.unitedwaytopeka.org and click the “donate now” button on the right side of the screen.

Radio-a-Thon: Cumulus stations Majic 107.7 holds an annual adopt-a-thon on air to raise awareness and adopt families. The adopt-a-thon will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on December 2 and 3rd at Cumulus Broadcast Corporation.

CD Tradepost: Through the end of November, CD Tradepost is offering its customers 20 percent off their purchase when they donate a minimum of one $5 gift certificate toward the Christmas Bureau. Visit any Topeka CD Tradepost location for details.

About the Christmas Bureau:

The Christmas Bureau is a community-wide initiative to give Christmas to children, families and the elderly who might otherwise go without. Dedicated volunteers put in countless hours of planning and implementation to make the 2009 event successful.

The Christmas Bureau has a tradition of matching families in need with caring people. The first records of the Christmas Bureau reported 445 families were adopted in 1941.