Who says that soap operas feed the desire for mindless television?

All My Children is challenging that assertion with an ambitious storyline later this month.

While Susan Lucci's iconic character of Erica Kane has always represented the rich, pampered sector of society, the show's head writer says she's about to grow a social conscience.

On August 20, Erica will take her talk show to Kenya to bring attention to the starving children in that country.

“Erica has always been daytime’s Scarlett O’Hara - it’s why we adore her - and it was fun watching her thrive during the Me Generation,” head writer Chuck Pratt told TV Guide Magazine. “But now it’s time to get her into the real world.”

The character arc is inspired by real-life events:

Earlier this year, Lucci and General Hospital stars Tony Geary and Kelly Monaco went to Africa on behalf of the philanthropic organization Feed the Children.

In September, Lucci's character will raise funds for the Kenyan cause with a huge dance marathon. Said Pratt:

“It’s the most complicated, ambitious thing we’ve ever done.”

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.