FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 9, 2004

DARTH VADER AND STORMTROOPERS “INVADE” CITY HALL

FOR TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE

            Darth Vader and Stormtroopers from the 501^st Legion, the world’s premier Star Wars costuming club, will converge upon Honolulu Hale on December 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., collecting toys for needy children in Hawaii in support of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

            A Toys for Tots collection box, provided by Hawaiian Airlines and located next to Santa’s Sleigh in the courtyard of Honolulu Hale, will continue to receive unused toys from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm daily until Monday, December 20.  People viewing the Honolulu City Lights displays are encouraged to bring a new and unwrapped toy to make this season a little brighter for a deserving child.

            Since 1947, the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign has fulfilled the wishes of millions of disadvantaged children during the holidays, reinforcing the joy and true meaning of Christmas giving and sharing.  A shiny new truck or an adorable Barbie doll sends a message of love and caring to a less fortunate child and embodies the “magic” of Christmas.

            For more information on the Toys for Tots program in Hawaii, contact GySgt Todd Manning at 257-2531.  For more information on 501^st Legion, contact Tory Laitila at the Mayor’s Culture and Arts program, 523-4105.

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