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This space is usually reserved for thoughts about food and the little anxieties that accompany daily life. Today, though, I’m asking for your indulgence as I write about hunger — and you’ll see me use the word “grateful” more than once.

This Friday and Saturday my children are taking part in something I only discovered two weeks ago: The 30 Hour Famine. My two oldest sons will complete a 30-hour supervised fast to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger. The three younger children will participate in shortened versions (three hours, two hours and thirty minutes) to support their brothers. I’m deeply moved that my kids care about children around the world who are less fortunate than they are.

During the 30 Hour Famine, the boys will attend classes and activities designed to teach them how to recognize and confront childhood hunger. They’ll also take part in service work that brings the lessons home.

That part is what really humbles me. They’ll volunteer at nearby Jericho Road Ministries so they can help people in their own community. My boys — who are getting big so fast — chose to set aside their own comfort to help those they don’t know. I’m proud and relieved: proud that they’re growing into compassionate young men, and relieved that they’re becoming the people I hoped they would be.

My sons are raising funds for the cause, and if you’re able to donate I would be grateful. If you’re not comfortable giving, I’d still appreciate you visiting their pages and learning about the organization they’re supporting. Awareness matters just as much as donations. I want them to understand that even small actions can make a difference.

We couldn’t create a single fundraising team page for both boys, so there are two individual pages. Click each boy’s photo to view his fundraising page. So far, every donor has split their gift between the two pages, which I appreciate deeply. Every donation — large or small — helps put food in the bellies of people who went to bed hungry, and for that I am truly grateful.

For those who prefer not to click through, here’s a brief overview of World Vision, the organization running the 30 Hour Famine. Their work combines short-term food relief with long-term approaches to food security. In addition to providing immediate meals, they support sustainable solutions such as giving families livestock, training, and resources so they can generate food and income over time. It’s an approach that addresses immediate need while helping communities build lasting resilience.

If you have a moment, please check out the boys’ pages or learn more about the cause they’re supporting. Your interest, awareness and any support you can offer would mean a great deal to our family and to the children who benefit from these efforts. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this important work.