Today I want to turn this blog's attention to the story of a young Star Wars action figure collector named Eli. Eli is madly passionate about all things Star Wars and Star Wars toys. He's an outgoing little guy with a great big smile and he's also into arts and crafts, and World War 2. Eli is has been diagnosed with a rare life-threatening disease called Severe Aplastic Anemia, a disease of the bone marrow. Severe Aplastic Anemia also affects the immune system making it difficult for those who have it to be out in public. You can imagine how this makes it hard to get out and do things, visit with people, or even shop for Star Wars toys. We here at Action Figure Empire call for your support for young Eli, a fan, and a collector who needs all the support he can get right now. We ask that you donate one or more, Star Wars toys of any kind to Eli. You can Include a message of your own to Eli if you wish as well. Eli will be delighted to receive your generous donations. Please send them to:
Action Figure Empire
114 Oak Street Apt. D
Maybrook, NY 12543
From there we at AFE will then forward your generous donations to Eli. AFE is proud to create and participate in the official Toys for Eli Toy Drive. Please take a moment to contribute to Eli's Star Wars action figure collection. Every donation you give helps!
We give the Official Action Figure Empire Salute to Eli and his family.
Thank you for reading this and thank you so much for your donations!
May The Force Be With You All!
Please donate to Toys For Eli :)
ReplyDeleteIf not for the issue of distance I would have sent something special for Eli. I can see that he's a brave Jedi youngling and I wish him well
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks Randy! I know you totally would donate something! It's the thought that counts! I'm sure it would warm Eli's heart to know he has supporters out in the Philippines!
ReplyDeleteWe definitely are working on some Star Wars custom action figure projects to send Eli's way. When I read this post, I immediately wanted to help a fellow collector that shared my name. Would it be ok to post this on our blog as weLl? We get about 200 visitors a day from the customizing community and we would like to provide any assistance that we could offer.
ReplyDeletewww.customsforthekid.blogspot.com
Feel free to have Eli contact us with any requests.
Yes that would be excellent! Thanks so much for the message. This is something that would make him feel special in such a unique way! I've tried to ask his mom what his favorite characters, or figures are and she hasn't answered so I'm guessing she mostly just knows he likes star wars toys in general.
ReplyDeleteHe's a kindergartner so his favorite character might change day to day--I know mine did.
I'd say the two customs to start with would be Eli as a Star Wars action figure (maybe with anakin as a child's body) and then as a Jedi Padawan. Kids love Jedi :)
And then from there anyone can make him anything. There's nothing more special in the action figure universe than your own personalized figure.
Maybe you know someone who does custom cardbacks?
Please feel free to repost this article on your page and encourage others to repost too :)
Thanks Elias. Eli will be thrilled.
So the toy drive is kicking into high gear. Me and Dad post our blog updates over at Imperial Shipyards and the customizing community over there has really jumped on board. We created a thread for Eli over there that he can check to see what will be heading his way. Luke Sprywalker and Sith Happens have teamed up to make the Padawan version of Eli and the community is working to get him the entire Clone Wars collection. A link to the thread can be found here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=6537.0
Also Wookielover1138 from the web show "Kessel Run Review" asked if they could also promote the toy drive in her next episode. Her web show could be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/wookielover1138
Let me know if this would be okay so I can pass the info. on to her and help her get it into her latest episode on time.
I love seeing the Star Wars community joining together to make this all a success.
Sounds like you and your dad have been working overtime on this! That's so awesome! There was recently a video and some photos of Eli opening a huge box of toys from myself and a friend in the 501st. His smiles and excitement were so touching! He apparently didn't have any vehicles yet. We remedied this and now he's got tons (all potf2).
ReplyDeleteEli also recently had a private visit with members of the 501st who came out for his bone marrow drive. They had a wonderful time and he was thrilled to meet his friends in the Star Wars universe.
I know Luke Sprywalker and Sith Happens, they do really good work. Excited that they're in on this too! The entire clone wars collection would be really cool. Not sure if he knows of it or watches it. But he will love it I'm sure!
I am familiar with Wookielover1138 and her Kessel Run Review. She's definitely welcome to promote the toy drive and Eli on her show.
Some useful info for that can be found here:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/theforceisstrongwitheli
http://fanconi.org/
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elilana/createorsignin
http://www.whec.com/news/stories/S2033879.shtml?cat=566
if she has any questions or wants to talk let me know. Also I post on youtube as Swedishcheesethief so I'll comment under that name on her videos.
Thanks for helping to rally the Star Wars community! I'm so glad we're coming together to help Eli! and he is too!
Oh and I almost forgot. Eli's favorite character is Anakin. I finally got an answer from his mom :)
ReplyDeletethings to remember for avoiding dupes:
He got a ton of POTF2 stuff.
I got him the new Saga legends Bossk and a TVC sandtrooper (which can be duped over and over) so troopers are good to do as anyone can get him them. Can never have too many troopers.
Hi guys!!!! this would be a perfect opportunity to ask people to become a donor as well. I just attended a benefit concert last Saturday, and signed up to be a bone marrow donor. he needs marrow far more than toys, but the toys are a wonderful gesture as well! the website is www.bethematch.org/update
ReplyDeletemaybe you could post the link?
thanks!
neil.
You're absolutely right Neil! Garrison Excelsior (my 501st Garrison) attended his Bone Marrow drive last week. I unfortunately live too far away to be in attendance so I decided to rally the SW community for Eli in my own way. Please do get tested and help save lives like ELi's!
ReplyDeleteI just found out about this drive. I'll get some clones to avoid duplicates.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris! Really glad you're joining the toy drive!
ReplyDeleteI too will be sending this week a number of figures and a Naboo Fighter from Episode 1 with pilot.
ReplyDeleteI wish this you man all the best!!
THanks Richm628! I'm sure he'll love the figures and fighter!
ReplyDeleteI am sending him a HUGE box filled with action figures, battle packs, and other Star Wars goodies. I hope he enjoys it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much rictorx! That's really generous of you! I can't wait to forward it to Eli! Feel free to include a little note in whatever (anyone) you sends. Please refrain from saying things like "get well, feel better, sorry you're sick, hang in there, etc."
ReplyDeletePlease just be simple, remember you're writing will be read by a six year old and we don't want to alarm him or frighten him. Just say, "Hey Eli, here are some new Star Wars toys for your collection, hope you enjoy them! From your friend __________ from ___________.com (if you have a website)"
Thanks again!
Unfortunately, as much as I would love to, I am unable to donate, but I have tried to bring more attention to your great cause by posting Eli's story & how to donate on my own blog & Facebook pages, which you can find at the following links:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sithlord229.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/SithLord229
I hope this helps.
Wishing Eli all the best,
Steve
Hey Sithlord229, no problem, only donate if you are able to. Thanks so much for posting the stories on your blog and on your facebook page! Every little bit of effort helps!
ReplyDeleteEli will be thrilled!
Thanks again!
I'll be sending out a package tomorrow, Is it also okay to send money to help with medical bills? Also send a tweet out to Chris Hardwick (a huge nerd/comedian) asking him to Retweet it to his 1.4 million ppl who follow him. Hope that helps as well!
ReplyDelete@Benjamin Thank you so much for sending your donations! I'm sure Eli will love them! Details on financial contributions can be sent here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/theforceisstrongwitheli
That's cool! Let me know if your friend Chris Tweets the info. That'd be cool.
Thanks for your generosity!
Hi, Glenn Harman editor of Action Figure Times here. I got news of this from SithLord229 and we'd love to send out a Slave I Ultimate Battle pack to Eli. If he already has one we can send something else out. Does anyone know what he's looking for? Let me know, AFTimes.com would love to bring a smile to a fellow fan's face.
ReplyDeleteHey Glenn,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the idea! No I don't believe anyone has mentioned anything about donating that battle pack and no one has sent one to me yet so please do ship it. That would be incredible! It's one of the best items the Clone Wars collection has out and I'm sure it would thrill Eli! He got the POTF2 Slave 1 from his friends in the 501st already. So this would be great!
Thanks so much for your idea and I look forward to forwarding your donation!
From AFTimes.com
ReplyDeleteThis should ship out tomorrow or the next day.
1 Slave 1 Ultimate Battle Pack
1 Mint in white mailer Missile firing Boba Fett
1 Greedo Hallmark Christmas ornament.
I will post this on our forums as well and we'll see if we can get some readers to contribute...
Glenn
Umpire AFTimes
Wow! Really WOW! Thank you so much Glenn/Umpire! This is really generous! Eli will be incredibly excited by all these awesome goodies! Looking forward to receiving them and forwarding them to Eli! Feel free to post the above article on your blog(s) or web site(s). Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone who has donated and will be donating! I look forward to sending your generous offers to Eli and his family! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteA Big Thanks to BJ, not sure if he or she is from or where they saw the posting but a very generous donation arrived full of fun figures and toys for Eli! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is the same age as Eli and picked a figure out of her own Star Wars figure collection to send to him. It is still in new condition, but not in packaging or anything. I figure that it is a real gift from the heart, so it's meaningful in that respect. It may not be as exciting as most of the other things he gets, but it means something to my little girl, and is a less well known character, so hopefully it's something he doesn't have.
ReplyDelete-Xeno (R2 builder)
Thank you Xeno! That is a very special and unique gift! Definitely from the heart! Be sure to include a note from you and her telling Eli how special this figure is! Thank you for thinking of Eli and we look forward to receiving and forwarding your generous contribution.
ReplyDeleteThe force is with you both :)
Is there anything that young Eli would really love to get? I would love to send in something really special for him, from one Star Wars lover to another!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jason, that's a generous offer. I've found it a little hard to nail down exact details on what he wants or doesn't have. Keep in mind he's six years old and at that age favorite characters and things he wants can change at a moments notice. However recently I was talking to his mom and she informed me that while he has a PSP he doesn't have any (or many) Star Wars games for and that he loves the Lego Star Wars games. Other than that really anything you'd think he'd like or have fun with would be fine.
ReplyDeleteThanks for thinking of Eli!
Sending 501st clonetrooper (movie version) Luke Skywalker (sand storm) Commander Cody (clone wars) and a Star Wars insider.
ReplyDeleteThanks Roland! Eli will love those figures! Thanks for your generous donations! I look forward to receiving them here and forwarding them on to Eli.
ReplyDeleteI would like to send a Star Wars Visual Dictionary w/excl. Luke minifig, Hasbro mail-away Nahdar Vebb and LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars for PSP, unless any of these have already been sent.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks Jason! None of these items have been sent yet! Thank you so much for your generosity! I look forward to receiving these awesome items!
ReplyDeleteHow about Anakin's Clone Wars starfighter and his Force Action lightsaber?
ReplyDeleteThat'd be awesome! No one has donated those yet jerry, so definitely a good idea! Thanks a ton!
ReplyDeleteA friend on facebook brought this to my attention so I went to Walmart and picked up two of the best Star Wars figures I've ever seen. Saga Legends 21 Luke Skywalker in X-Wing Gear from the final Hoth Battle with removable helmet, lightsabre hilt, and harpoon gun! As well as Saga Legends 22 Han Solo (Hoth Gear). I thought they would make a nice pair. Has anyone donated these yet?
ReplyDeleteHey Fryman86,
ReplyDeleteNope I don't think anyone has sent those along yet. You're right they do make a nice pair! You can find them reviewed right here on the blog too! Just check the blog archive. Thanks so much for your idea of donating them! I look forward to receiving them and sending them to Eli!
Take care
I'm a long time collector who recently has been going through my storage I found a number of special items that I'm going to send to Eli, he's a great little guy. Thank you all for coming together to give him a wonderful gift of the "force" of friendship!
ReplyDeleteHey Eddie,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear from another fellow collector! Cool! I'm sure Eli would love some goodies from your collection, if you're willing to part with them, of course ;)
yes the, "Force of friendship" as you put it, is truly strong with Eli!
I have a slew of star wars toys sitting in storage that i am wanting to get rid of...however it's going to take me a couple months to sort through so it may not be until the end of May or mid-June before I can get a couple packages shipped off...how long are you going to be accepting donations?
ReplyDeleteThanks jstumpo, we will be accepting donations for a long while, so definitely take your time, go through your collection, think over your selections and feel free to donate anything you want :)
ReplyDeleteHi, I sent a brand new "Galactic Heroes" Ahsoka and Goldie pair the other day and also have a new Clone Wars Ahsoka w/Rotta the Huttlet (CW17) if he doesn't have it already.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm sending a box tomorrow of about 30 loose figures in sandwich baggies - I hope he can use them. There's some individual characters, but I put in a bunch of clonetroopers - figure you can never have too many! Anyway, I hope they come in handy!
ReplyDelete@Scott: your Ahsoka arrived safe and sound and is awaiting shipping to Eli.
ReplyDelete@The Poked Bear: Thanks! Yes you can never have too many troopers! I look forward to receiving them and shipping them out to Eli! Thanks so much for your generous contribution!
Thank you to everyone who has donated!!! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteSent the Clone Wars Ahsoka w/Rotta the Huttlet (CW17) a couple days ago so that should be arriving soon. Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Scott! Just got her in the mail! Hope your Easter is/was awesome! Eli will love the figure!
ReplyDeletethanks to eceryone who has donated!
ReplyDeleteEli has been so fortunate to have so much support from the Star Wars community! Thank you to everyone! Please check the latest blog entry for another cause to support! Thanks guys!
ReplyDeletei don't suppose you all are still taking donations for star wars toys? I just haven't had a chance to go through storage yet but i hope to in July and August. thx
ReplyDeleteWell we are, but our funds for re-shipping are pretty much depleted. :( We could really use a hand down here with that! But go ahead, send away!
ReplyDelete