While we normally focus on Star Wars news and keeping our readers up to date with the latest info, this email came in last night that is an inspiration to all and really lives up to our "Collect to Collect" beliefs.

Allen George and his son Payden were among the thousands of fans to attend Celebration III, and they have a great story to share.

How's this for a great story??? For months, I kept the Star Wars Celebration III weekend a secret from my four year old son, Payden. As many of you would agree, the lines were very long and tough decisions had to be made. So, even though I had planned on going to the Celebration III store to get our hands on the CIII Darth Vader action figure ($15) exclusive to the show, with a heavy heart I made the decision to pass on getting the figure. In fact, I made a point not to mention it to my son cause I knew he would be begging me to get one.

Nonetheless, we enjoyed the weekend very much. Payden was even selected to participate in Jedi Training and after he had his duel with Darth Vader we decided to make our way towards the exit.

We were JUST ABOUT TO LEAVE the convention when we stopped to pick up a 12" Snowtrooper from a vendor in the Collectibles/Flea Market area. Payden was telling the gentleman in the booth that he took on Darth Vader and gave him the "business" on stage.

Well a guy (another fan) that was obviously listening in to the story turned around to Payden and took a knee beside him and asked Payden if he likes Darth and Star Wars etc. He turned to me and asked, ?How long have you been at the show?? ?Did we have a chance to get to the store?? I responded "no, we would rather see everything versus stand in line for hours" and stated we haven't even seen the Darth Vader figure yet.

Just then he reached in his backpack and pulled out the action figure in a protector box and everything. He showed it to Payden and asked if Payden thought it was cool. I made a comment like "isn't it cool Payden?" trying to prepare for Payden's letdown when he finally figures out he doesn't have one.

The guy then looks at Payden and hands the Darth to him and says "Here you go buddy, it's yours, I want you to keep this for me." I was really shocked. I told him, "I'm always telling my son to help people and that giving is the key to life, I mean we pride ourselves in trying to do things like this every opputunity without thought." But I must say when it happens you or to your son (even better), right in front of your eyes, just hits you like a brick.

I quickly asked if we could pay him for it but he refused. He said, "this is what it's all about, it's about a child loving Star Wars as much as I do." With that I shook the guy's hand, Payden took a picture with him and we turned left out the door just ahead, closed the door to the convention center and went home.

Thanks, John. Thanks for showing me there is a reason to continue my good nature way. Thanks for making the figure itself not the focus but rather the act of kindness. So, I am writing this today with hopes that others will realize the importance of unselfish giving and the purpose it serves in our lives. I would like nothing more than for the ripple effect from his gesture, and this story to one day motivate a person to not hesitate to give the next time the opportunity presents itself. So, to John and others like him??.
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!