Thousands will join together to combat hunger at Hunger Walk 2008.

Since 1984, the community effort has brought together walkers and runners of all ages for one day to help nonprofit groups that serve the poor.

Last year, more than $300,000 was raised for local and global hunger relief.

The event is sponsored by the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is one of six community partners that receive a portion of the event’s proceeds.

This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, March 2, rain or shine. It begins at Turner Field, Atlanta. The family-friendly day has entertainment and carnival games when the doors open at noon. All registration for the event this year will be online.

At 1 p.m. there is a 10K certified run, which has a runner’s fee of $25. At 2:30 p.m. there is a 5K-fun run/walk that takes people of all ages through city streets around the State Capitol.

Already 13 SVdP teams are registered to hit the streets. Participants are encouraged to get sponsors and contributions for their effort. And even if a person can’t be there, online donations can be made to the team doing the walking.

Refreshments are available during the event, and volunteers are stationed to help walkers stay on course. Atlanta police provide traffic control along the route, and nurses are available for first-aid needs.