Dressing up for an intergalactic cause

The 501st Legion and USS White Sands group members wave to cars passing by during a toy collection drive outside Ettin Games on Sunday.

John Pike donates a toy for Toys for Tots outside of Ettin Games, where the 501st Legion and USS White Sands ran a toy collection drive on Sunday.

David Miranda is dressed as a festive shadow stormtrooper as he helps the 501st Legion and USS White Sands run their toy drive outside Ettin Games.

Jenn Darnell, left, helps her friend with Chris Medina with a costume adjustment during the 501st Legion and USS White Sands toy drive at Ettin Games, a local game store, on Sunday.

After the donation of a Grogu doll — a character from the "Star Wars" series —the 501st Legion and USS White Sands members put a festive hat on him during their Toys for Tots toy drive outside Ettin Games on Sunday.

Jenn Darnell, dressed as a TIE Fighter Pilot from the "Star Wars" series, waves to cars passing by during the toy drive at Ettin Games on Sunday.

Published December 1, 2024 - 5:32 p.m. Modified December 1, 2024 - 9:50 p.m.

People dressed as science fiction characters came to Ettin Games, a local game store, on Sunday. As members of the 501st Legion and USS White Sands, they participated in a toy collection drive in cooperation with the Marine Corps Reserves.

USS White Sands is an Albuquerque-based Star Trek fan club.

“At the USS White Sands, we’re more than just a fan club — we’re a diverse and passionate community of Sci-Fi enthusiasts united under the banner of STARFLEET,” the USS White Sands website states. “Our crew members, hailing from all corners of New Mexico, share a common love for Star Trek and beyond.

“Whether you’re a Trekkie, Whovian, 501’ster, Alien aficionado, Transformer fan, arcade gamer, NASA enthusiast, or just a lover of all things Sci-Fi, you’re welcome aboard.”

The drive began Friday and ran through Sunday.

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