The 501st Legion & Toys For Tots Team Up @ the Long Beach Comic Con

If you’ve ever been to a convention, there’s a good chance you’ve had a run-in or two with a group known as the 501^st Legion… even if you didn’t know that they were called that! The 501^st Legion is an all volunteer Star Wars costuming organization that celebrates the Star Wars Universe at various events, ranging from conventions and media events to local community and charity events. Founded in 1997, the 501^st Legion has grown from a small group of devoted fans to a world-wide organization with over 5,000 members in “Garrisons” setup in over 20 countries across the globe. In other words, they’re the guys you see in Stormtrooper armor, or dressed like Boba Fett or Darth Vader.  (Yeah, they’re exclusively bad guys… because, let’s face it, the bad guys are much, much cooler!) Butthere’s a lot more to the 501^st than just dressing up in authentically detailed Star Wars costumes; in the event that you’ve never visited their website, check it out: http://www.501st.com/.

You’ll see that not only are they organized – meticulously so, keeping track of every single member and their rank, worldwide – they are a very socially conscious group.  From the website:

“While the 501st was initially founded to unite costumers with a penchant for Star Wars villainy, one of our real-world missions is to bring good to our communities through volunteer charity work. The 501st is always looking for opportunities to brighten the lives of the less fortunate and to bring awareness to positive causes on both a local and global scale.”

Over the years, the 501^st Legion has helped to support such worthy charities as The Make a Wish Foundation, City of Hope, Ability First, The American Red Cross, The international Child Abuse Network, The American Cancer Society, Toys for Tots.  (For a full list, visit the website!) Additionally, they have given their time to dress up and visit Local Children’s Hospitals and other Facilities to help bring a bit of joy to those in need.  In early in 2009, the Legion created the position of Charity Representative and assigned persons in each Garrison or Outpost to take on the responsibility of helping their garrison give back to thecommunity. Additionally, they created “Charity Challenges,” wherein each Garrison competes in challenges, to see who can raise the largest amount of donated goods.

The Southern California Garrison, the chapter of the 501^st Legion local to Long Beach, has really risen to the occasion with their “Charity Challenge” participation. From June to August of 2009 the Southern California Garrison held a canned food drive and raised over 2,750 cans of food at various events, one of which benefited the Long Beach Rescue Mission. And on October 1^st, they are embarking on a new challenge:  A holiday Toy Drive, which will run through December 25^th, and will benefit the local chapter of Toys for Tots. And they’re going to be out in full force at the Long Beach Comic Con, looking for donations!

So, here’s the deal… we LOVE the 501^st, and we LOVE that they are so socially conscious.  Because let’s face it, they don’t have to be.  This is a great example of a group of people with a common interest, taking something that they love, and turning into something that is bigger, and more important than any one individual’s love of a Sci Fi movie.  They go out of their way and give back to the community, and spread joy while doing something that the love…  And that is remarkable. We need more groups like the 501^st Legion.  Truly.

So, let’s get out there and support these guys… and more importantly, let’s help them support children in need this holiday season.  There are no limitations on the donations of toys that they will accept – any toy will do, so long as it’s brand new and in its original package. So while you’re out shopping in the last week and a half leading up to the show, pick up a toy for the 501^st Legion’s Toy Drive, and bring it with you to the show.   All you have to do is stop by Booth # 401 to drop it off. Or, if you have something that is new and still-wrapped at home, that will do, too.  You don’t have to spend a dime.  Just bring it to the show.  Give it to the kids.  Feel good about yourself for a while.

And if you’re not sure this is something you want to be a part of, think of it this way: Darth Vader is asking for donations.  You don’t want to make that guy mad.

For more information on the 501^st Legion, visit: http://www.501st.com/.