GREENVILLE - It may seem as though we dodged a bullet with Gustav, but in reality, the work is just beginning.

Eight Red Cross volunteers from the Upstate S.C. Chapter have been deployed to assist those affected by Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gustav. Five of those volunteers are working to meet the feeding and sheltering needs of evacuees in Louisiana. Two volunteer nurses are serving in Missisippi, while a third volunteer nurse remains in Florida to meet the health needs of those affected by Tropical Storm Fay. The Red Cross estimates it will spend between $40 and $75 million supporting the people of the Gulf Coast affected by these storms. As many as 800,000 people are without power on the Gulf Coast and may not have power restored for two to eight weeks, This is the largest Red Cross relief effort since Hurricane Katrina.

The Red Cross is now preparing to help those that will be impacted by Hurricane Ike. This storm is strong and could hit the United States later this week. The American Red Cross is mobilizing personnel and resources to help fellow Americans as this storm approaches.

The American Red Cross is urging everyone to consider making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Donors can go online to www.redcross.org or call 1- 800-REDCROSS. You can also use your cell phone to donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by text messaging the keyword "GIVE" to "2HELP"(24357). Donations will appear on monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. All applicable text rates apply. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, you should call 1-800-REDCROSS.