Their bodies are streaming with sweat, ready to collapse from dragging too much weight on their feet all day-but they still need to be vigilant of the kids trying to grab their E-11 blaster. To the average person, this may seem abnormal, but for storm troopers of the 501st legion, it’s just another day.

The legion is a nonprofit volunteer Star Wars fan organization, where

members wear custom-made costumes designated as the imperial force or “bad guys” in the Star Wars universe. The club is global and split into regional chapters, currently 4,000 strong-with goals to bring fans and costume enthusiasts together while promoting charity and volunteer work.

“It’s fun to be a storm trooper by yourself, but it’s even more fun to be a storm trooper with other people,” said Kathy Van Beuningen, Illinois regional chapter executive officer.

Each chapter of the legion coordinates independently, engaging in their own work, such as kid-oriented events, charity drives and special requested events like birthday parties. The chapters do not charge for appearances. If donations are given, all proceeds go to charity foundations.

The Midwest Garrison, the regional chapter in Illinois, has participated in several events since its creation in 1999, frequently working with the Children’s Memorial Hospital, American Cancer Society and Toys for Tots.

“When kids see us, they get so excited,” Beuningen said.

The Midwest Garrison was last seen on Dec. 7 in Bridgeview, Ill., at the Bridgeview Community Center for the Annual Pediactic Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, and orginization supporting children diagnosed with cancer.

“Well, the storm troopers aren’t bad, they just work for someone [who’s] bad,” Beuningen said.

Regardless of what side they’re on, kids don’t stop glowing at the sight of the group as they march around in full costume taking pictures and showing off their self-created props.

“Most of the time, kids just want to touch the armor and ask if you’re a real person inside,” said Augie Webster, Midwest Garrison’s Boba Fett.

The authenticity of the costumes is a vital element of the 501st legion. Part of the requirements to join is that each member must construct his or her own costume that meets the strict regulations.

“There are members in our group who don’t even count how much money they have in [their costumes] anymore,” Beuningen said.

Costumes must meet the specifications exactly as shown in the films. Members reference the requirements through books, pictures, museum exhibits and constant freeze-framing of the film.

“The hardest is if you have a character who was only in the film for two seconds,” Beuningen said.

The construction process is long and tedious, but all of it can be done at home, Beuningen said. The benefit of being part of the 501st is that there is always a member who is an expert in a specific costume creation area who will help out, she said.

Jason Patterson is Midwest Garrison’s Darth Vader. He has put well over $1,500 into his costume.

“I spent three months fixing [the helmet] up so it would be acceptable,” Patterson said.

Patterson decided to be Vader because when his son was 5 years old, he wanted to be Yoda. With pieces he bought on eBay, he began to construct a recognizable outfit.

The biggest challenge for the group now is to maintain appearances while holding down jobs and their families.

“Some people don’t participate anymore because they had a baby or got married, and I can understand that,” Beuningen said.