COLUMBIA (WACH) - With Hurricane Sandy gone from the Northeast, the American Red Cross is asking for blood to help those in need.

The American Red Cross in Columbia is taking blood donations to the affected states and officials are urging South Carolinians to help them out.

Officials say Hurricane Sandy has forced the cancellation of more than 300 American Red Cross blood drives in 14 states along the East Coast, resulting in a shortfall of more than 9,000 blood and platelet donations already.

The clinic was steady with donors Tuesday. Officials say every one donation can help three patients.

American Red Cross of Columbia spokesperson Jamie Muldrow says the need often increases when disaster stikes.

"When disaster hits, the need for blood does not diminish. Often times we see it increase, and in order to help those people who have been affected by the Hurricane, we encourage people in unaffected areas, such as her in South Carolina, to do their part by giving blood or platelets. We certainly  understand first hand the impact a storm of this magnitude can have," said Muldrow.