OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Currently the American Red Cross in Iowa has deployed 15 people and Wednesday will be deploying 25 more to help with the Hurricane Sandy disaster and its victims.

The five emergency response vehicles which are fully staffed with two volunteers each have already been sent down to various areas needing relief.

“The operation covers 13 states. Currently we have 171 shelters open and 9,000 residents staying in those shelters. So the individual that's leaving this afternoon is going to work in one of those shelters. It’s amazing. Everyone’s coming together and we're going to help. We are one Red Cross and that’s how we operate and volunteers here want to help over there,” said Brandon Holstrom, American Red Cross State Client Services Director.

Holstrom said everyone can help support those that are in need.

Click here to learn how you can help.