INDIANAPOLIS — It's the time of year where many people are looking for a way to give back to someone in need.
One Indianapolis organization hopes they'll get some extra attention with the help of an IndyCar team.
The presents were wrapped and neatly stacked. Santa Claus came early to Arrow McLaren Racing's shop in Indianapolis.
But these gifts weren't for the team.
Several dogs from Indianapolis Animal Care Services had a big morning, opening packages — gifts covered in peanut butter — from the IndyCar team.
Arrow McLaren is doing their part to let people know the Indy shelter is overwhelmed right now with pets up for adoption.
2016 Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi joined the fun.
"For us at Arrow McLaren to be able to, you know, give back and contribute this holiday season is important to us and, you know, it's an honor to be part of it, and so we were able to not only give a little bit of our time, but wrap some gifts up for the dogs. It's a special thing to be part of, so encourage everyone that has the opportunity to get involved as well," Rossi said.
Driver David Malukas is a dog lover, too. He visited the shelter and saw the need firsthand.
"Of course, I mean, it is an experience. It's not like anything else, once you actually get there, and you could see it with them, you don't want to leave without getting one, so it's a really cool experience, and I really hope people can go over there and kind of see what they can do," Malukas said.
Many dogs aware awaiting adoption, and the need is reaching a critical level.
"We really need people to come in and adopt," IACS deputy director Katie Trennepohl said. "With the cold weather, we're going to see more animals coming in, and the reality is we just don't have a place to put them. We've maxed out every spot that we have in the shelter, and we really need to get animals out of the shelter. And again, maybe you can adopt and keep somebody forever, but if you can just foster, that helps free up a cage, gets an animal off the street during the cold weather."
If you have the means to take in a new family member, now would be a great time.