Some local volunteers have decided to spend their Labor Day holiday in New Orleans, helping people prepare for Hurricane Gustav.

Gustav started as a Category 3 storm, but has been downgraded to a Category 2 with wind gusts of up to 110 mph. States along the Gulf Coast have already been hit hard Monday, with heavy rain and strong winds wreaking havoc along the area.

Volunteers from Westchester and Rockland counties have traveled down south to help out. The American Red Cross in Westchester sent the volunteers down to help the millions of people who have been forced to leave their homes. Volunteers will also be handing out meals to displaced families.

The American Red Cross is also accepting donations from anyone who wishes to help. ?We will make sure the money goes where it is needed to go,? American Red Cross spokesperson John Ravitz says. Ravitz says the agency will provide phone counseling to deployed volunteers.

The Red Cross will be sending more volunteers south as needed. Anyone who wishes to make a donation or to volunteer is encouraged to call the organization at (914) 946-6500.

Local volunteers rush to Gulf Coast to aid with Gustav