As part of the 6th annual 'Hometown Huddle' event, Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Kevin Barry and defensive tackle James Lee teamed up with United Way Tuesday for a meal and quilt making activity with the winners of a school-wide essay contest from the Fort Howard/Jefferson Neighborhood Resource Center.

The Packers also presented the Center with a new PhoneMaster automated phone system, which includes hardware and a bilingual software program, to help the center with its efforts in assisting families.

During the event, several of the kids read their essays to the players and shared their ideas about why it's important to help your neighbors.

Barry also spoke to the kids about the importance of teamwork.

"Everybody has to play as one, work together and enjoy themselves," he said. "The things that you are doing, helping out with neighbors...that's going to help prepare you for later in life and for what you're going to do.

"So carry this on to whatever you do in everyday life, listen to your parents, they've been there and done that, and just carry on with that and it will help you have a better life."

The NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle began in 1999. During Hometown Huddle, NFL players and coaches from each team take part in a variety of community-service activities. Projects have included building homes for low-income families, working with the elderly, building playgrounds, serving food to the homeless, visiting local military bases and funding after-school programs for underserved children.