AMHERST - For 30 hours, some students from Amherst Regional High School are choosing to go hungry.
Planning has begun for the 30 Hour Famine, an event through World Vision that raises both awareness and money for countries suffering from hunger.
With about two dozen students on the committee, the goal this year is to raise $5,000, or double the amount raised last year.
"It's important to continue to raise awareness," said Margaret Skabar, who is marking her third year on the event's committee.
"And having done the 30 Hour Famine last year, it was a great experience," added Alex Manuele.
From May 14 to 15, students will spend those 30 hours at the school with fellow classmates. They'll have a chance to hang out with their friends, play games and even participate in a guided imagery exercise.
"We'll also have a theme related to the topic of Africa, so we'll be raising awareness amongst ourselves about what we're doing and how we can help them," said Astrid Coleman.
Throughout the 30 hours, students will have access to water and juice, and the committee will make smoothies once or twice to keep the students going.
Students will be raising money individually up until the date, with incentives through World Vision.
The largest incentive is a sweater, which Coleman says changes every year.
"The sayings and logos change," she said, adding a sweater this year would be different than that of last.
"The sweater represents keeping a child alive for one year," said teacher advisor Scott Coleman, noting pledges of $300 or more receive a sweater.
rtetanish@amherstdaily.com
