There's no better time than the Holidays for giving to those less fortunate, and the needy residents at your local animal shelter are no exception.

Rescue groups and shelters that care for homeless dogs and cats need donations of food and supplies throughout the year - but especially at holiday time. Donations decline at this time of year. What's more, since few animals find homes during the holidays, many shelters are at capacity and need donations more than ever.

Best Friends "Angels"
To help local shelters and rescue groups in their communities, Best Friends created the "Angel Tree" program, encouraging pet lovers to share the holiday spirit of giving with animals in need by donating food, toys and treats for dogs and cats at local animal shelters.

Last year, more than $20,000 worth of food, toys, treats and pet care products were donated at Best Friends resorts nationwide.

The staff at each of Best Friends 39 pet care centers has partnered with one or more local rescue organizations to obtain a list of available pets as well as lists of pet supplies needed. At each Best Friends, pet lovers will find an "Angel Tree" decorated with cards ornaments providing information about needy dogs and cats at local animal shelters. Customers are invited to select an ornament and donate a pet toy, treat or food item as a holiday gift to an animal in need.

More than 50 rescue groups and shelters that will benefit from the program this year. They include:

California: American Red Cross, Humane Society, Sacramento SPCA

Colorado: Table Mountain Animal Shelter

Connecticut: PAWS, Hot Water Rescue, Meridan Humane Society, Bethany Humane Society, Naugatuck Animal Shelter, Oxford Animal Shelter, Woodbridge Animal Control.

Illinois: Animal House Shelter, Orphans of the Storm, Red Door Animal Shelter, Furry Friends, Chicago Canine Rescue

Indiana: Humane Society for Hamilton County, Tails-a-Waggin', Inc.

Georgia: The Society of Humane Friends, P.A.L.S.

Maryland: Montgomery County Humane Society

Massachusetts: Buddy Dog, Save A Dog, Baypath Humane Society, Greyhound Friends, North East Animal Shelter, Pets In Need, MSPCA in Methuen and Brockton, Animal Rescue League of Boston, Northeast Rottweiler Rescue, The Rottweiler Connection, Lowell Humane Society, Salem Animal Rescue League.

Michigan: Capital Area Humane Society, Golden Retriever Rescue of Michigan

New Jersey: Plainfield Area Humane Society, Animal Placement of the Windsor, West Jersey Animal Shelter

New York: Hi-Tor Animal Shelter, New Rochelle Humane Society

North Carolina: Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Control Bureau, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Durham Animal Shelter

Ohio: Compton Road Adoption Center

Oklahoma: Free to Live, Real Rescue

Pennsylvania: Delaware County SPCA

South Carolina: Concerned Citizens Association

Texas: Montgomery County Humane Society, Greyhound Pets of America, Noah's Ark Animal Shelter

Virginia: Northern Virginia SPCA

Pet lovers who wish to support the program can visit their local Best Friends to select a homeless animal from the Angel Tree. The center stocks the holiday gifts, treats and supplies on each shelter's wish list.

You can also contact Best Friends by phone to become an Angel Tree sponsor. The program, in its third year, runs through early January.