A food drive sponsored recently by Cover 3 Football in Suffolk and Western Tidewater resulted in thousands of cans of food and other non-perishable items being collected for the organization’s 53 area meal sites.

More than 15 organizations took part in the drive, which was held Oct. 17 through Dec. 17, according to Greg Scott, a former NFL player who founded the nonprofit athletic and community organization in 2009.

The Suffolk YMCA collected 476 cans and non-perishable items, earning first place and a future visit from Scott, who will deliver a motivational speech and sign autographs for members. In second place was Driver Elementary School, which collected 454 cans and other items. Creekside Elementary School placed in third, with 286 cans collected. Scott will visit the schools and hand out wristbands as a reward for their efforts.

“This food drive was a tremendous success and was able to provide meals for numerous sites,” Scott stated in a press release.

The C3’s Kids’ Meals and Snack division of C3F services 53 at-risk after-school programs at schools, recreation centers and YMCAs throughout Suffolk, Franklin, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Emporia, Sussex, Southampton and Winchester.

The organization provides a healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch, snack and supper to more than 5,000 children between the ages of 4 and 17 who are in at-risk environments.

Cover 3 Football specializes in “inspiring and motivating youth to achieve their goals and conquer adversity through positive, personal and passionate coaching, mentoring and community service,” Scott stated in the release.

“Cover 3 Football works to provide positive experiences for all males through teaching them football and team work. The organization lives to establish mentors and father figures for young men and women.”

Another food drive is scheduled for early spring. For more information about donating items or about C3F’s work, visit www.cover3foundation.org or email Steph Wood at steph@cover3foundation.org.