And this year, they may want attention more than money.

"It's one of our most successful campaigns because it gets our name out there and lets people know what we're doing," said Safe Haven Board Director Hal Dukes. "It really raises awareness."

For the fifth straight year, volunteers will spread the cheer and the message of the shelter. Funds raised will support a proposed $3.5 million facility near Route 9 between Georgetown and Milton.

The proposed 20,000-square-foot facility, slated to help them adopt and care for nearly 2,000 dogs and cats each year, could break ground early next year if funds are available.

A recent state grant and years of fundraising efforts have allowed the shelter to purchase the 14-acre parcel on Shingle Point Road, Director Anne Gryczon said, but they also need to bring volunteers together to help the cause.

"Our goal is help the animals in the community," she said.

Greenwood Mayor Willard Russell said he can attest to Safe Haven's work in the local communities. Earlier this year, he asked volunteers to help him with the feral cat population that plagues nearby neighborhoods.

"They told me it would be better to spay and neuter them so they can lower the population," he said. "It seems to be working pretty well."

Russell said he utilized the shelter's services to safely and naturally lower the cat population as capturing them would reportedly cause additional problems.

"They did a great job, and we haven't had any complaints since I think," he said.