When people hear the word "famine" they think of feeding the hungry.

There were 37 young people of Effort United Methodist Church, ranging in ages from 9-17, who participated in the National 30-hour Famine, which started Friday, April 23. They were only allowed water and 100-percent fruit juice during that time.Famine brings some consciousness to kids of what is going on in the world, said Ken Edwards, Effort UMC's youth director.The event is an outreach for World Vision."World-wide today there are 10,000 participating," he said.Each youth collected money to contribute to the fund.The Buck family, Chris, Chelsea, Dylan, Tiana and Tonilynn, made the largest contribution with $504.The total contribution by Saturday morning was $1,060 but more was expected as they went to the Brodheadsville Post Office to continue their fundraising. As of Monday the total had moved up to $1,837. Each dollar will feed a child for a day.While at the post office, youth were asked to get a pot of water from an outside faucet and drink that water from cups. To their surprise, the water tasted different and they begged for bottled water.They were surprised to find they were going to get lunch even though their 30 hours were not up. What they actually got was peanut butter goo - a World Vision recipe used to feed malnourished children. The kids loved it.They also helped with clean-up day at the church on Saturday.The youth dedicated a portion of their proceeds to the Nothing but Nets program which provides mosquito-proof nets to prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. This is the second year they have supported the Nets program.Another portion of the money raised goes toward sponsoring a pen-pal child, Denis, who is from Chad. The group sends letters to him along with gifts and receives return letters.Adults got involved in the National 30-hour Famine held at Effort UMC when they prepared a meal for the youth that was eaten at 11 p.m. Friday, April 23. It was 30 hours later when the youth had their next meal also prepared by church members.Fellowship is a big benefit of the famine, said Edwards.The youth provided both worship services at Effort UMC on Sunday, April 25. They were strong and emotional services, said Wendy Edwards.