YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) –  A local Air Force retiree is running for the cause.

Major Brent Davis is getting ready for his first marathon. It’s all part of his effort to raise awareness for the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley.

Davis started volunteering at the Mission 18 months ago, taking clients to various appointments. As he became more familiar with the Mission, Davis wanted to do something to help out the agency.

That’s when he decided to run in the Niagara Falls International Marathon.

“It’s not about me. I am not a runner,” he said. “I am going to do something that is very painful, but my hope is that my pain will be their gain here at the Mission.”

The marathon is set for October 30.

You can help Davis reach his goal of $30,000 by sending a donation to the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley at P.O. Box 430, Youngstown, OH 44501. Those donating should write “Brent Davis” on the memo line.

All of the proceeds will go to the Mission’s general fund. The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley cares for an average of 130 homeless men, women and children nightly.