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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s west coast, the American Red Cross is preparing to respond to disaster zones. In south Georgia, they’re still assisting victims of Hurricane Helene.

“Our primary focus is still shelter – keeping people safe and comfortable with food and access to water. There are so many people that lost their homes and are still figuring out and reeling from the damage caused by Helene,” said Allison Flexner, development communications manager for the American Red Cross.

Helene forced the American Red Cross to cancel 100 blood drives across the state. Milton will likely do the same.

The nonprofit provides about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, so they’re asking for people who are able to give blood.

RELATED: Gov. Kemp declares state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Milton

“We are calling on people in unaffected areas to donate blood, platelets, and get out there and help us replenish the blood supply,” Flexner said.

In Henry County, American Legion Post 516 banded together with local law enforcement, churches and the water department to collect items for Hurricane Helene victims. They stuffed a truck full of food, clothes and water Tuesday and sent it south to Valdosta.

“We have a lot of generous people here that will come and give,” American Legion Post 516 member Alton Head said.

But now with Hurricane Milton on the horizon, Head says they’ll start collecting items all over again. They also plan to send donations to storm shelters opening across Georgia.

“We’re trying to put together a plan to be able to feed them if necessary and supply them with supplies,” Head said.

After Helene, Georgia Power says they’re still making final repairs in Augusta, but could be called later to help linemen in Florida.

In a statement they said in part: “We also do not send crews out of state until we are sure our customers will not be affected. Once Milton passes and our customers are restored, we would evaluate any requests for assistance.”

While metro Atlanta won’t see any direct impacts from the storm, people are preparing to help our neighbors to the south.

“It could be here. We could be facing this here,” Head said. “I always believed it’s more blessed to give than to receive.”

MORE COVERAGE:

Hurricane Milton regains strength and returns to Category 5 on its way to the Florida coast

Atlanta Motor Speedway opens campground to Milton evacuees

Officials urge Floridians to find refuge in Georgia before Hurricane Milton

Gov. Kemp extends state of emergency for several Georgia counties after Hurricane Helene