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Spring Lake group begins hurricane relief efforts ahead of the storm

While one local group is already making preparations to help those in need, one family with West Michigan ties left the coast to ride out the storm in the Mitten.

SPRING LAKE, Mich. - Hurricane Florence may be days away but one local organization is already stepping up. Thanks to Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria last year, International Aid has had some recent practice responding to disaster relief.

While one local group is already making preparations to help those in need, one family with West Michigan ties left the coast to ride out the storm in the Mitten.

"Basically coming into work, you can feel the panic in everyone issuing out sandbags and stuff like that," Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Gentz told 13 ON YOUR SIDE.

Gentz and his family are based in Camp Lejeune, N.C., an area expected to feel the effects of Hurricane Florence. Gentz is originally from Sparta.

"They didn't release an evacuation so I basically took it upon myself to take 'leave' and hit the road."

The father of soon to be two packed his family into their car and headed north, and so did everyone else. The Sparta native was stuck in deadlock traffic.

But while some are leaving town, others were headed in. CEO of International Aid Brian Anderson told 13 ON YOUR SIDE, their partners are already delivering disaster relief ahead of the storm.

"Years ago we invested in a strategy of pre-staging relief supplies down in Foley Alabama with our partner at Victory Life Church," Anderson said.

"So when this started to build and head towards the Carolinas, he [their partner] mobilized, loaded his trailer with the items that we pre-staged. He's headed to Mt Pleasant, S.C. and Wilmington, N.C."

The trailer delivered toiletries, hygiene kits and cleaning supplies to help those who may soon be in a world of hurt.

"That hurting world is right here at home," Anderson said. "We want to help them with their needs and their pain and help them get back on their feet again."

"Just the unknown. You got to wait and just see what happens," Gentz said. "Hope for the best."

Gentz and his family hit the road Monday night and are still on their way to Michigan.

International Aid officials say once the storm makes landfall they'll decide what they're going to do next. If you do want to help, you can always donate to their cause online.

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