As Tropical Storm Gustav continues to make its way toward the Gulf Coast, local organizations are gearing up for the possible aftermath.

These groups are depending on you to help them make a difference.

Hurricane season is here and that means it's time to make sure you and your family are prepared for when a storm hits.

Susan Holmes with the American Red Cross said, "Prepare yourself ahead of time in case you get trapped in your house by a tree or the power is out. Be sure you have what you and your family need to sustain you for a day or two."

Families in need often times look to non-profit organizations for food and supplies after a storm hits. Those organizations count of the public to donate those items so they can distribute them after a disaster.

David Hanks with the Wiregrass Area Food Bank said, "Mainly we handle food products, but during a disaster we need anything; tarps, bedding, blankets and sheets because people who have been affected don't have anything."

Even if the affects of Gustav aren't felt here at home, resources from the Wiregrass will go to help those in need.

"We'd be a resource if there's a storm that hits in that area,” Hanks said. “We were a resource during Katrina to Biloxi and Louisiana."

Blood is always an immediate need during a disaster. Both Lifesouth and the Red Cross are hoping to increase their supplies before Gustav makes landfall.

Here is the information you need to know to help those in need. If you'd like to donate non-perishable food items or disaster supplies you can visit the food bank on Twitchell Road in Dothan.

For information on how you can better prepare for disasters, visit redcross.org.

And, if you'd like to volunteer or need help after a disaster, you can call 211 to get in contact with numerous agencies.