While many large charities may be experiencing the blues this holiday season, at least a couple of local organizations say efforts are appearing a little greener than expected.

The results of a Harris Interactive survey released Monday showed large charities nationwide this year are seeing a significant drop in giving in light of the economic turmoil, which has led to job losses and large numbers of home foreclosures. Only 38 percent of Americans surveyed say that they are more likely to give a charitable gift as a holiday present this year, compared to 49 percent last year.

It also indicated that while about the same number of Americans are giving to charity, they are giving less.

As a result, some of the biggest charities are reportedly budgeting for a disappointing Christmas.

And, while charitable organizations serving local communities are certainly not expecting a banner year for fundraising, a couple say they are gladdened by the generosity more people have shown this year, especially because many more are experiencing tough times and relying on the services they help to provide. "I've had more companies and organizations approach me than ever," said Kelly Fox of the Attleboro Area Council for Children, now gearing up for its 26th annual Christmas Is For Kids drive.

She said while the community has always been generous in donating to those in need and providing for children who might not otherwise have a Christmas, "community groups and organizations that have done a little in the past are doing more this year."

Fox said the Blackstone Valley Hogs motorcycle club, for example, is holding a fundraiser at a local eatery to benefit the drive, in addition to donating funds from their annual ride for the charity.

Others, such as Curves in Plainville and New England Savings Bank in the Triboro Plaza, have signed on to collect socks or gloves and mittens. The drive typically purchases up to 800 pairs of socks through donations. Attleboro District Court personnel are collecting new blankets for the effort.

In a number of cases, there either have been new donors getting on board or taking on more to contribute to the cause, Fox said.

"I don't have any sense what cash donations will look like," she said, noting applications from parents are being accepted until Dec. 12 and the list of items requested has yet to be published.

But if the current contributions are any indication, she's hopeful that the drive will again meet its mission - especially as the need has grown. Already, there are "easily 550 children" on the list which continues to grow, Fox said. Last year there were a total of 750.

And some of those who have donated in the past but have lost their jobs this year making them unable to donate cash or items, have instead asked to volunteer their time for the effort, she said. Three-hundred volunteers are already lined up.

"My sense is we'll be OK because we always are and considering companies and organizations already stepping up," Fox said.

Ruth Blais, of the Attleboro Salvation Army, is hoping for a bright Christmas in collections to help those in need in the area, but she's very aware that "giving is down generally." The annual holiday kettle drive is just getting under way. One store where a bell ringer is usually posted has closed; a couple of others have requested no presence this year, "I think because they are concerned it might take away from them, their own survival" Blais said.

She said the collections, which help to support fuel and emergency assistance to those in need in the area, as well as holiday baskets and toys for the community, are in increased demand because so many more people are in need this year.

"It's no longer the poor or homeless," Blais said. "It's the average individual trying to keep their house, the heat on and food on the table."

She still keeps the spirit, despite the downturn.

"Sometimes in times of need, people give out of their own need," she said.

Jamie Crossman, vice president of the United Way of Greater Attleboro-Taunton, said while the agency's campaign goal this year was modified from last year based on the economy, it's the people from the community who may not have a lot but appreciate what they do have which have impressed her the most in their giving.

"It's mind-blowing to me the generosity of the community," even in bad economic times, she said.

While the campaign doesn't close until the end of December, of the accounts that have come in, "a lot are going up" compared with last year, Crossman said. Contrary to the national poll, "those who are giving are more generous."

She said the donations on track to raise about $2.1 million this year, down from $2.3 million last year,are likely due to a combination of factors, including a donor's ability to chose who their money benefits and the wide array of programs they can pick from to help support those in need.

While a few corporate donors in the community have had to adjust their donations based on the economy, United Way has been fortunate to have a lot of corporate firms continue their matches.

Crossman said agency representatives have been invited to and visited more job fairs, workplaces and community organizations this year to provide information on what they do and what options there are to give.

She said contributions might be more centered this year on local organizations as opposed to large corporate ones.

Crossman said the giving is also coming from those who can relate to being in tough times. "There are people who make $8 an hour that are giving $1 a week (through their pay check deductions) just because they are grateful they have a home and food on the table," she said. "To see giving at that level is very touching."

SUSAN LaHOUD can be reached at 508-236-0398 or at slahoud@thesunchronicle.com.