DENVER -- Hurricane Gustav has prompted a relief movement nationwide.

Northcom just announced it'll send an additional 5 helicopter and two C-130 planes to help with search and rescue.

Several other Colorado agencies have also mobilized. The Red Cross is providing food, shelter and emotional support.

Other agencies are encouraging you to donate your time, your money and even your blood.

At Bonfils Blood Center in Denver, hundreds of units of blood are on their way to the Gulf Coast region and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

"Bonfils actually was elevating its own blood supply in advance of the Democratic National Convention last week. And because we had elevated our supply we had inventory available to send to a couple of areas throughout the U.S. that asked us for help,” said Julie Scott, spokeswoman for Bonfils.

That means the need for blood is crucial this week to keep the local supply in-tact.

Across town leaders in the local McCain-Palin office are involved in an outreach effort of their own.

"You know in this time of need, a time of national crisis it's country first and politics second," said Tom Kise, McCain campaign spokesman.

The Colorado National Guard was sending four helicopters on Tuesday to help with relief.