One day every year, NFL teams across the country join forces with local United Ways to promote overall health of our community’s youth.

United Way of Northeast Florida and the Jacksonville Jaguars partnered Oct. 18 for their annual “Hometown Huddle” community service event to promote youth health. Jaguars players and executives, ROAR cheerleaders, Jaxson de Ville and nearly 100 volunteers spent the afternoon with the New Town Success Zone in Northwest Jacksonville.

The afternoon started with “The Huddle,” a rally to energize the volunteers, held at Edward Waters College Milne Auditorium. Special speakers included New Town Success Zone Executive Director George Maxey; United Way of Northeast Florida President and CEO Michelle Braun; and Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation Senior Vice President, Community Impact Peter Racine.

Following the rally, volunteers headed to four service project sites. Projects included beautification efforts and fitness fun with students at a local elementary school; revitalizing garden beds and creating an outdoor classroom at a community garden; food organization and distribution to more than 300 residents; and a neighborhood cleanup.

Stay tuned for announcement on “Hometown Huddle” 2017 coming soon.