For the past 16 years , members of Midnight Run have worked to end hunger and homelessness in Milwaukee. On Tuesday, students can join them in their fight by participating in the "Miles for Meals" Midnight Run and Walk.

The run/walk will begin at 7:30 p.m. and should end by 10 p.m. Students can check in between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the Westowne Mall, located behind the John P. Raynor, S.J. Library, said Gerry Fischer, assistant director of University Ministry.

Students will run and walk around the academic buildings.

"The fundraiser is a way to show your support to fund Midnight Run and the programs we do," he said.

Midnight Run was founded by students who wanted to help the homeless people in Milwaukee, he said. The student-run organization is now part of University Ministry.

The run/walk is the only fundraiser for Midnight Run, said Nicole Hertel, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences and the community education chair of Midnight Run.

The money raised goes to support the organization's programs, including Noon Run and Gesu Meal, she said.

Students involved in Noon Run serve food every Sunday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m. on Lot U, said Megan Martin, senior in the College of Nursing and a co-coordinator of Midnight Run. Gesu Meal serves food on Saturdays.

Members of Midnight Run are involved with 10 different sites in Milwaukee that are dedicated to ending hunger and homelessness, Fischer said. Midnight Run is the only one created and run exclusively by Marquette students.

Fischer said the other sites are separate agencies that need volunteers to help out.

The sites include Repairers of the Breech, a daytime homeless shelter, Casa Maria, a shelter for homeless women and children, and Open Gate, a temporary home for men recovering from addictions, Hertel said.

"Especially at Marquette, the issue of hunger and homelessness is in our faces," Hertel said. "We see it every day. We recognize the faces of those who ask for money and food. The run/walk is a great way for people to get started."

She said there are numerous ways for students to get involved, including volunteering time and service to advocate the problem.

Martin has been a member of Midnight Run for four years and said it has helped her become more aware of the needs of the larger community of Milwaukee.

"I believe it's really important for students to partake in because it helps us reach out to our greater community and to help put in action our Jesuit education," she said.

Students can pick up registration forms from University Ministry, located in room 236 of the Alumni Memorial Union, Fischer said. They can register the night of the fundraiser, but must register ahead of time to receive a Midnight Run t-shirt.

Participants are asked to find pledges worth a minimum of $15, Fischer said.