Before Marlon Brando died in 2004, the actor made a phone call to actress Pam Grier, 59, of Franktown, to commend her on her altruism and the countless hours she spends with Colorado shelters. Many years after that memorable call by Brando, Grier continues to volunteer her time off screen to local shelters, one specifically: People and Animals Living Synergistically, or PAALS. A 160-acre no-kill animal shelter in Palmer Ridge, PAALS also welcomes the homeless and families who have suffered a foreclosure or economic hardships. In return for food and housing, PAALS residents assist in caring for the 200 animals located at the shelter. And, according to Grier, the numbers of both people and animals utilizing the shelter continues to grow.

Grier spoke to YourHub.com this month from Vancouver, British Columbia, where Showtime's The L Word was filming its sixth season. Grier performs in the show as Kit Porter, a nightclub owner battling alcoholism.

"I was drawn to PAALS five years ago," Grier said, "because (the shelter) takes in people, not just animals. Whenever I come home and I'm not working, I'm out there. I'll put up fences, I cut the grass, I'll give clothes and organize fundraisers. I'll even fly back for the meetings."

Grier, a longtime Colorado resident and former Metro State College of Denver student, says that even though she's bought the shelter washers, dryers and even got Subaru to donate an Outback, more help is needed. "We are in desperate need of an investor to help keep the shelter going," she said.

Grier said she plans to auction on eBay the red dress and yellow jacket she wore for her starring role in Quentin Tarantino's 1997 film Jackie Brown, with all proceeds going to PAALS.

"This is a real working farm and it literally survives on donations," she said. "A while ago, I auctioned off a dinner for people who wanted to have dinner with me at a restaurant in LoDo."

Along with the innumerable hours Grier donates to PAALS, and when she's not pulling trapped neighbors out of ditches with her truck, she also spreads charity to Douglas County.

"I bought a police dog, a German Shepard, in honor of my old German Shepard, Jackie Brown," she said.

She also purchased a bulletproof vest for the new dog, including one for an officer.

"It's about infinite love," she said.

A benefit for PAALS, which tentatively is planned to be held at Denver's Botanic Gardens, is currently in the works, according to Grier.

"We really need volunteers for PAALS," she said. "We could use carpenters and those who'd help us raise the barns. My main goal is to keep (the shelter) going until we can find an investor. I really want PAALS to make it."

Whether filming or donating her time to the shelter, Grier says Colorado is her home and refers to the state as her strength.

"Colorado serves up the best example for the nation," she said.

For more information about donating or volunteering for PAALS, call founder Dianne Benedict at 303-688-9537 or go to www.paalsforlife.com.