The 60 in Suffolk60Care is not an age requirement.

It’s not the amount of service hours you have to provide each year, nor is it the number of women who are currently in the organization.

Just to be clear.

“That (60) was the founding number of women the first year,” said Ashley Greene, president of Suffolk60Care. “But, we’d love to have 260. The larger the numbers, the more we can impact the community.”

Right now, getting more members is the number one priority for the leaders of S60C, one of the city’s leading philanthropic organizations. They are currently in the middle of the new member drive, a chance to bring in more women throughout the city to the organization.

Created in 2004, Suffolk60Care gives women from every part of the city a chance to serve and better the city of Suffolk through community service projects and volunteer opportunities.

In four short years, the group of women has found their niche. Through its annual fundraising gala, S60C brings in tens of thousands of dollars that go back into the community through the organization’s grant program.

Last year, approximately $55,000 was doled out to organizations and programs in the city such as the Genieve Shelter, Salvation Army’s Summer Program and the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department.

This year’s gala, already slated for Feb. 7, 2009, is expected to bring in major funds again.

But, the ladies of Suffolk60 do more than cut checks.

Whether it is working at the organization’s signature project, the Hampton Roads Youth Center, or volunteering with the Western Tidewater Free Clinic, Suffolk Humane Society and Adopt-A-Highway programs, the organization’s leaders pride themselves on their members being active participants in the community. They are now looking for more women in the city to step up and get involved.

“Anyone can join if you’re willing to put in the volunteering,” Greene said. “We are excited to be inviting new members, more people who have a philanthropic and volunteering desire to help the community of Suffolk.”

Wednesday, Sept. 3, S60C is hosting its new member social, a chance for any interested women to stop by and meet some of Suffolk60’s current members and leadership.

The social begins at 6 p.m., just an hour before the organization’s quarterly meeting at the Hampton Roads Youth Center.

For more information about the meeting or the organization in general, log on to the Suffolk60Care Web site at www.s60c.org.