RALEIGH -- Governor Pat McCrory and First Lady Ann McCrory hosted a Christmas open house at the Executive Mansion encouraging donations for animal shelters to benefit homeless pets.

Nearly 400 people attended and brought donations including tennis balls, leashes, collars, dog and cat food and other necessities. The donations will be distributed to shelters throughout North Carolina in need of essential supplies.

"Supporting pet adoption and animal shelters is a top priority for the first lady and I," said Governor McCrory in a press release. "The hundreds of donations collected today will go a long way to helping needy animals throughout our state have a warm and Merry Christmas."