As the destruction continues to mount in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, volunteers from across the United States are heading South to aid in rescue and clean up efforts.

That includes people in our region.

Four people from Centre and Blair counties have been deployed South with the American Red Cross and have been there for a few days. Right now, their efforts are focused in North Carolina.

“We actually have categories and levels for our disasters,” Stephanie Fost, Executive Director of The American Red Cross, said. “This is considered a level six or seven.”

Volunteers with the Red Cross who are deployed to disasters often work 12 hour days.

“They are living, working, breathing in those shelters. They’re taking any breaks that they have in those shelters,” Fost said. “If they’re driving one of our vehicles, they’re driving them around for 12 hours, feeding people.”

Volunteers in South Carolina estimate they will provide 8,000 meals a day, starting this weekend. Fost said disaster response has shifted from response to Hurricane Matthew destruction to flooding aftermath.

If you’d like to get involved, the Red Cross suggests making a financial donation or giving blood. Right now, they’re in critical need.