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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- Hurricane Isaac has hit communities all along the gulf coast, and the American Red Cross is responding to help those in need.

More than 5,200 residents have sought haven in more than 80 shelters run or supported by the Red Cross.

Dean Valkenaar executive director of the North Central Missouri Chapter American Red Cross is headed to Hattiesburg, Mississippi Thursday.

“I'll be supervising four to five other government liaisons who will be stationed in emergency operation centers in the area that I’ll be in,” Valkenaar said. “I’ll be making sure they have everything they need to make sure the people in their area have food and shelter.

Valkenaar says if you want to help out go to Red Cross.org, or call 1-800-Red-Cross.