While many Long Islanders dive into turkey and trimmings Thursday, a host of hunger organizations, relief agencies, churches, restaurants, civic groups and others will be offering free Thanksgiving dinners to the neediest in the region — including, this year, those victimized by superstorm Sandy.

Many organizations that traditionally serve free Thanksgiving dinner expect the need to swell this year, because of the aftermath of Sandy. Many residents have been displaced. Many have no way to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. And many more organizations than usual are offering free meals.