The American Red Cross is working tirelessly to help people devastated by Hurricane Ian. Many communities are unrecognizable after the storm and more than 1,500 volunteers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are helping those affected and will be helping them recover for weeks and months to come.

Of the Red Crossers on the ground in Florida supporting those affected, 39 volunteers are from Northern California, and more local volunteers remain on standby.

“People’s lives were turned upside down by this massive storm,” said Hanna Malak, Regional CEO for the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “They need your help now. Please consider making a donation to help people affected by disasters, giving blood or becoming a Red Cross volunteer today.”

The Red Cross and its partners are providing a safe place to stay, food to eat and a shoulder to lean on as people begin to pick up the pieces after the storm. On a recent night, nearly 2,800 people sought refuge in more than 30 Red Cross and partner shelters across Florida. As many as 80 Red Cross emergency vehicles are delivering food and relief supplies and volunteers are helping families cope and replacing prescription medications, eyeglasses or critical medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs.

Dangerous weather conditions and floodwaters have canceled dozens of blood drives with about 1,000 lifesaving blood and platelet donations uncollected. Individuals who live in areas unaffected by Hurricane Ian — especially those with type O blood — are urged to give blood now to help ensure patients in impacted areas continue to have access to lifesaving blood.

There are many ways people can help.

Make a donation. Red Cross will be working side-by-side with its partners to help people in need for weeks and months to come. To help people affected by Hurricane Ian, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift is a commitment to helping people in need, and every single donation matters. Financial donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.

Give blood. Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Volunteer. If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review the most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday and get involved today.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit them on Twitter at @RedCross.