(BUENA VISTA, Colo.) — If community can be felt, it can most definitely be felt nestled between the mountains of Chaffee County, inside the Ark Valley Humane Society. This organization relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors to support the animals in its care. "So last year we had 70 volunteers total that donated over 2,000 hours of their time to support our organization and the animals that we see here at the shelter," said Nikki Ritter, Executive Director of Ark Valley Humane Society. To many, 70 volunteers may sound small, but that number is great for Buena Vista, where the population is just over 3,000. Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew PutnamCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew PutnamCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew PutnamCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew PutnamCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew Putnam "So we're a really small organization," said Ritter. "We only have a staff team of 10 full-time employees at the shelter." Even with such a small staff, the shelter managed to help just over 1,500 animals last year with the help of a community with a big heart. "Our community, they're amazing. It's such a tight-knit community," said Ritter. Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew PutnamCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew PutnamCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew PutnamCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew PutnamCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Matthew Putnam Volunteers at Ark Valley Humane Society can expect to roll up their sleeves and help with many of the day-to-day tasks at the shelter, such as washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning the Adoptable Cat room, walking dogs, or just loving on the animals. "We are amazed time and time again when we put out a request for help... the way that our community really rallies together in times of need," said Ritter. "You know, I've lived in big cities before and, you know, moving from a big city to Chaffee County, it constantly puts me in this state of shock and awe the way that people really come together to help each other and help the organizations that exist within the community." Ark Valley Humane Society is located at 710 Gregg Drive in Buena Vista. The shelter still has some needs that it is hoping the public will help with, including getting soundproofing materials for the adoptable dog room and new doors for their kennels to replace the ones that are over 20 years old. To find out how to help Ark Valley Humane Society, click on the link above.