Thanksgiving without a feast?

It could happen this year to thousands of families in the Sacramento region.

Groups that feed the poor are reporting declines in contributions of Thanksgiving turkeys and financial support this holiday season. At the same time, they are bracing for more people than ever at their annual dinners.

"We're looking at many more families this year, entire families rather than just single adults," said Garren Batcher of Loaves & Fishes homeless services in Sacramento. "We are asking the community to help us out."

Loaves & Fishes, where donations are down 20 percent this year, typically feeds about 1,000 people at its Thanksgiving feast, Batcher said. Based on discussions with clients, staffers are expecting 1,500 or more at this year's dinner, scheduled for Tuesday.

The agency will need about 200 cooked turkeys to feed the crowd, said Batcher. "We're also looking for pies." Donations can be dropped off at the complex on North C Street over the weekend and on Monday.

Volunteers of America's annual "turkey drive" is off to a slow start, said spokesman Barry Wisdom.

Donations of frozen turkeys for holiday meals are "way down," Wisdom said. "Last year we ended up with 700 turkeys, but it may not happen this year." As of Friday afternoon, about 40 birds had been collected.

The agency also is looking for Christmas gifts for needy adults, including backpacks, electronic items and warm clothes.

Last year the Folsom Cordova Community Partnership, which provides a wide range of services to needy families, served 304 people at its Thanksgiving meal, said director Paul Shane. This year, that number may double, he said.

"We are seeing folks who once donated to us coming for services this year," Shane said. "We're talking about basic needs," like help with utilities, diapers and baby formula.

Thanks to its alliance with an area grocery store, the agency expects to have plenty of food for its holiday dinner, he said. But it has far fewer donated turkeys this year to distribute in food baskets to families, he said.

"We have a whole lot less, so we're going to be distributing only to families who are destitute or really desperate," he said. "Those are the choices you have to make in this economy."

Thirty to 40 percent more families have sought help from the Salvation Army this year for food, rent and utility help, among other services, said public relations director Syd Fong.

The organization is preparing to serve at least 800 people at its Thanksgiving Day meal.

"I think you'll be seeing different types of people this year, more families who are looking for a meal," Fong said. "People are losing their jobs, dealing with foreclosure and just having to pay more for food. Maybe a year ago, they were just making it. Now, they need help. It's very humbling for them. But that's why we are here."

Cash donations are slumping at the Union Gospel Mission, said Pastor Tim Lane, but it has more than enough food for its Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday.

"We have seen a significant drop in financial aid, but we're not in a panic," Lane said. "And as far as food goes, we are truly blessed."

Business at the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services is booming, with 20 percent more people seeking help, said President Blake Young. But thanks to a daylong turkey drive sponsored by KCRA, the food bank is flush with turkeys.

"We've got almost 4,500 of them," Blake exulted on Friday. "The public was very, very generous and we are going to meet the need."

The frozen turkeys will be distributed at the food bank on Monday and Tuesday.

"Given the economy, we could give out all 4,500 of them," he said. "It's going to be overwhelming."

Call The Bee's Cynthia Hubert, (916) 321-1082.