Superstorm Sandy has already forced the cancellation of about 300 American Red Cross blood drives in 14 states along the East Coast.
The organization says that's led to a shortfall of about nine thousand units of blood and platelets.
And expects the situation to get worse with power outages and the damage left behind.
That's why the Red Cross is asking people to attend blood drives near them.
Two have been held in the area today.
With four more scheduled.
The blood drives are hoping to beat the donation goals they've set for themselves, so that any extra blood not needed in this region, can be sent to the East Coast.
"I love helping people all the time wherever I can, this is why I'm trying to help lives, help out the community," says West Carroll High School junior Evan Gegenbach.
He gave blood for the first time today. He enjoys helping.
"Helping old people with groceries, I stop along the side of the road occasionally helping students with cars, I give people rides when they need it," says Gegenbach.
He says giving blood is something he'll do again.
"It wasn't' that bad to be honest, I thought it'd be a lot worse but it was pretty easy."
"People need blood every two seconds," says Red Cross Donor Recruiter Mary Archdale.
The canceled blood drives on the East Coast put pressure on the overall supply.
"It's critically important that we have blood drives all the time across the country so that we can ensure that we're meeting the needs of the hospital patients."
She says blood has a shelf-life. Whole blood lasts 42 days. And some parts of the blood last less than a week.
"It quickly becomes a critical situation in the need for blood."
Archdale says the school organized this blood drive well before Superstorm Sandy. But organizer Dan Hartman says the students understand the need.
"Our students have a great history of giving blood at this school, we've been averaging about 300 pints a year for the last several years," says Hartman.
150 students signed up to donate. The Red Cross hopes people from the surrounding areas choose to attend their local donation drive as well.
Blood drive locations can be found at redcrossblood.org.
