VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — As Hurricane Helene approaches the Gulf of Mexico and threatens storms surges and fierce winds, a Virginia Beach-based humanitarian organization stands ready to help.

Operation Blessing had stationed its U.S. Disaster Relief team in Marianna, FL., in preparation of Helene. The hurricane has been upgraded to a Category 3 as it nears landfall. The storm could potentially reach a Category 4 before the night’s end, the National Hurricane Center predicts.

Staff and assets from its Virginia Beach headquarters as well as from its warehouse in Bristol, TN, have been deployed.

“The team arrived in Marianna yesterday and connected with partners in and around the potential areas of impact to plan for relief efforts as soon as the storm departs,” a release states.

To donate to the relief efforts, please visit: https://www.ob.org/disaster-relief/.