LORDSTOWN, Ohio - Autoworkers at GM Lordstown are reaching out to help people who are struggling with the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

Members of UAW Locals 1112 and 1714 are joining forces in a water donation drive. At the Local 11-12 union hall the first donations are starting to stack up. Even though emergency government funds have been approved to assist residents in Flint, the unions say they want to do their part to help.

"By working hand-in-hand with the local agencies as well as our counterparts at Flint assembly (plant) to make sure that we get the water to those people in need," Glenn Johnson, President of Local 1112, said.

The unions say until the problem in Flint is solved they believe there will be a need for fresh water.

"Because it is going to continue to be needed. The federal government is only in it right now for around six weeks, so they need to continue to supply that, and we want to help out any way we can," said Johnson.

The National Guard has increased it's force to 300 in Flint to help the Red Cross distribute water door to door. The Red Cross said workers from Northeast Ohio are on the ground in Flint and say the situation is a major challenge.

"Anytime there's a crisis like we have in Flint, Michigan, we're lucky to have a UAW that wants to help," said Red Cross spokesperson Karen Conklin.

Water donations will be accepted at both Lordstown union halls until the end of January.

On Feb. 3, union members plan to load up a truck and head for Flint.