Residents in greater Portland will be walking across the city’s peninsula Saturday to raise awareness and donations to support the people living in East Africa facing famine as a result of a historic drought there.

The “Maine Walk for Humanity Just Another Bridge Away” is organized by members of Portland’s Somali community, most of whom have relatives and friends affected by the famine in their home country.

“More than 750,000 people are living on the edge famine,” said Mohammed Dini, an organizer of the walk. “This walk can help bridge the gap between the coast of Maine and the coast of Africa and sends a message to the millions affected by this famine that we are not blind to their tragedy.”

Already, 30,000 children have died and another 12 million people are at risk because of the famine.

The walk begins at Erskine Park at the intersection of Broadway and Waterman drive in South Portland at 12:30 p.m., crosses the Casco Bay Bridge and finishes alongside Tukey’s Bridge at Payson Park. Participants are asked to make a $5 donation.

“Whether it is around the corner or around the world, Mainers have a history of coming to the aid of those in need,” said Dave Thompson, chief executive of officer of the American Red Cross Humanitarian Services in Maine, which is co-sponsoring the event and serving as a conduit for donations to reach those in need.