ELKHART — Organizations in Elkhart County are joining the exodus east to help with relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Executive Director of the Elkhart County Chapter of the American Red Cross Frank Connolly has already been in New York for several days. Connolly left from South Bend on Saturday after being asked to coordinate sheltering activities in the state.

Seven volunteers from the Elkhart County Red Cross will be leaving Thursday morning for New Jersey. Two volunteers from the St. Joseph County Chapter are also leaving at 8 a.m. Wednesday and will be reporting to White Plains, N.Y.

The Elkhart branch of Feed the Children is also getting involved in relief efforts.

The organization will supply items such as food, water, personal care items, cleanup supplies and more as they are needed to aid children and families in need while they work to rebuild after the destruction.

Feed the Children is in need of donated supplies including water, diapers, baby food, ready-to-eat meals, cleaning supplies and tools.

Companies interested in making product or cash donations can contact the Feed The Children corporate relations department at 800-627-4556. Monetary donations to provide disaster relief can also be made at www.feedthechildren.org/HurricaneSandy or by calling 800-381-8331.

To donate to the Red Cross’ efforts, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to the Elkhart County Chapter at 721 Riverview Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516.