Over the weekend hundreds of animals from the Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter were transported up north to get homes in non-kill rescues. In exchange for the animals and in the holiday spirit, Starfish Rescues, which is based out of Illinois donated dozens of bags filled with toys and clothes to help families in Eastern Kentucky.

"We only have about 50 animals left in our shelter where we're usually at 250," said Tammy Noble, chairman of the board of the Kentucky River Regional Animal Shelter. "Most people look at rescues as come in, take your dogs, run back out but our rescues that we deal with, they give us a lot of community support."

The animals will be distributed to rescues throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. The toys and clothes the rescue donated will go to Knott, Perry, Letcher, Breathitt and Harlan Counties.

"This year they have provided food, clothes, toys for over 70 kids here," said Noble.

She said the kids receiving the gifts donated by the rescue will not be the only ones having a good Christmas.

"A lot of pets are going to be having a very merry Christmas," said Noble.