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Klingons invade Naperville — to help Toys for Tots

Ah, the joys of a traditional Naperville Christmas.

Santa. Elves. Reindeer. Klingons.

Folks passing by the Walgreens on Amersale Drive on Saturday could have been excused if they were just a little confused about exactly what holiday we’re celebrating this month.

Because there, in front of the store, helping out as part of the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots campaign, were all manner of Klingons and even some members of Starfleet posing for pictures, collecting toys and, upon occasion, even doing a bit of role playing.

What in the name of Capt. Kirk and all that is “Star Trek” is going on here?

Actually, organizers say, it’s quite simple and, when you think about it, makes a lot of sense. Because in the end, if you’re helping provide toys for kids in need, it doesn’t really matter if you’re dressed like a Klingon, a Marine, or Hardrock, Coco and Joe.

This is the third year members of the area Klingon Assault Group, Klingon Armada International and the USS Chicago have come together to help collect toys for kids who otherwise might not get anything for Christmas, said Marc Malnekoff, the assistant store manager at the Walgreens and a veteran member of the Assault Group. They also were joined by cast members from “A Klingon Christmas carol” being performed this month at Raven Theatre at 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago.

The show, according to the theater’s website, tells Dickens’ tale of ghosts and redemption adapted to reflect the Warrior Code of Honor. (Malnekoff himself made many of the prop weapons for the show.)

Last year, Malnekoff said, the Klingons who journeyed to Naperville for the Toys for Tots campaign collected enough to fill two vans. This year, he said, they’re hoping to fill three.

He said organizers began publicizing the event in October by passing out fliers and using social media. In past years, he said, Star Trek fans came from as far away as Minnesota and Wisconsin to contribute.

In addition to collecting plenty of toys, the event also gives kids and other Star Trek fans a chance to hang out and take a few pictures together.

And, truth me told, Malnekoff said, the Toys for Tots campaign dovetails very nicely with the Klingon code that calls for courage and honor.

“Dressing up like a Klingon in public takes courage,” he said, “and there’s honor in doing something for others.”

  Marine Brian Kollias chats with Marc Malnekoff about his Battleth Saturday. Star Trek fans who are members of Klingon Assault Group, Klingon Armada International and the USS Chicago, held a Toys for Tots event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walgreens in Naperville. A Battleth is a sword of honor. Paul Michna/pmichna@dailyherald.com
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