Senators Barack Obama and John McCain have mobilised support for the victims of Hurricane Gustav.

McCain volunteers joined with Target, FedEx, and the Red Cross to send 80,000 ‘comfort packages’ to the Gulf Coast region. The McCain effort also identified one charity by each of the five Gulf Coast governors to donate to online, and involved a prayer service hosted by Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Obama used his network of supporters and donors, who contributed a record amount to his campaign for the democratic nomination for President, to boost funding and volunteering for aid efforts to the five affected states.

McCain also visited the region to show his support for the victims. Obama decided against visiting the area because he said it would draw away law enforcement and other officials from the important work they were doing to help victims.