June 2012

Will McCranie at the start of his throughwalk on the Appalachian Trail where he’ll be raising awareness about hunger in America. Photo: Danny McCranie.

By Danny McCranie

I’m writing this on behalf of my son Will, who’s busy right now hiking the full length of the Appalachian Trail. It’s been a dream of his since he was a seven-year-old Cub Scout. But there’s more to it than that.

He says, “I’ve made a promise to serve other people at all times, and it would be wrong for me to do something this big without finding a way to do something for others.” So Will is raising awareness of hunger in America as he walks. (Did you know 40 million people live with food insecurity in this land of plenty?) And he’s raising funds for the Meals for Millions Program, a joint initiative of United Methodist Men and The Society of Saint Andrew. Will’s goal is to raise $10,000 over the four and a half months he’s on the trail.

He chose Meals for Millions in part because The United Methodist Men at Peachtree City United Methodist Church sponsor BSA Troop 175. That’s where Will earned his Eagle Scout award at the age of 13.

You can follow Will’s progress along the 2,200-mile trail and learn more about his commitment to service by visiting www.walkingwithwill.com. You can make a donation online or by mailing a check to Walking With Will, P.O. Box 294, Tyrone, GA 30290.

This is the journey of a lifetime for Will. He and I hope that you’ll consider becoming a part of it.