Suffolk60Care wants to hear from you.

The women’s service organization is kicking off its annual grant process and accepting applications for funding from area organizations whose services directly benefit the Suffolk community.

“Suffolk 60 Care is an organization full of women that truly want to be a positive influence in Suffolk,” said Cale Angelelli, grants chairman for the Suffolk60. “It is our mission to provide volunteers and financial assistance to organizations that promote diversity, education, poverty intervention, family preservation and health.”

Suffolk60 holds an annual gala to raise funds for the grant process. It’s the organization’s biggest fundraiser, and the money raised that night goes to deserving services or agencies throughout the city.

Last year the group donated a total of $54,708 to nine organizations, including the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department ($5,900), the Western Tidewater Free Clinic ($11,563), the Salvation Army’s Summer Program ($7,500), The Children’s Center ($3,495), the YMCA After School Program ($4,750), Genieve Shelter’s CJ’s Place ($10,000), the Foodbank of SE Virginia ($5,000), the Virginia Department of Health’s Healthy Families Program ($1,500) and the Hampton Roads Youth Center ($5,000).

Projects ranged from purchasing equipment for the fire department and the free clinic to helping serve thousands of meals to local disadvantaged children.

Members also selected the Hampton Roads Youth Center as their 2008-2009 Signature Project for the third year in a row.

“I would encourage any 501(c)3 organization helping the citizens of Suffolk that is in need of volunteers and/or financial contribution to go to our Web site at www.s60c.org and get an application and apply,” Angelelli said.

The applications help not only with awarding grants, but also in placing Suffolk60 volunteers into the organizations that need them and where there is the best fit.

“We greatly enjoy the time we spend volunteering in the Suffolk Community,” Angelelli said.

Interested organizations should contact Angelelli by calling 238-8687 or e-mailing caleangelelli@yahoo.com to request an application. Applicants must provide proof of 501(c)3 status, and they must provide services to Suffolk citizens or services that directly benefit the Suffolk community.

Applications will be released Dec. 1, 2008 and are due Feb. 6, 2009.