Top it off with toys

Marine Sgt. James Bryan Leahy, stationed with his unit in Iraq, said he’s excited about what’s going on at Patrick’s Pub in Costa Mesa.

There’s a box with his picture on it inside the entrance to the bar that fills up so quickly with toys owners Donna and Vince Hicks have to keep hauling the overflow to the back room.

Patrick’s has been collecting toys — in Leahy’s name — as part of the Toys for Tots campaign sponsored by the Marine Corps.

When the Marine from Camp Pendleton dropped off the box, he told the Hickses not to be too disappointed if they couldn’t fill it, because bar locations don’t usually get much participation from patrons.

That was all Donna Hicks needed to hear.

The response has been overwhelming at their location, she said.

“We’re hoping to have so much stuff they’ll need a semi to come pick up at this bar.”

Leahy grew up in Costa Mesa and was a Marine Corps Reservist employed by Patrick’s when he left on deployment to Iraq in September.

He volunteered for the Reserves in 2001, just before 9/11.

Leahy’s six-year commitment was up in March, but he reactivated when he learned his unit was going to be sent to Iraq.

On Aug. 25, Terra Leahy married the man she met at Patrick’s Pub almost two years ago.

Terra said serving in Iraq is difficult for her husband, but knowing that he has the kind of support he does here and that people are donating in his name helps him.

“It makes him believe even more in what he’s doing,” she said. “That he’s over there for a reason, fighting a good fight.”

Vince Hicks said he and his wife really didn’t know what to expect when they agreed to the campaign.

“This is going pretty big-scale for us,” he said, adding that many of the customers are regulars who know Leahy and wanted to show support for the kids and the Marines — especially one of their own.

The atmosphere in the bar has changed since the toy campaign began, and people are doing some surprising things, Vince said.

He was at home on a Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago when he received a call on his cellphone from one of his customers.

“He was calling to tell me a guy nobody knew or recognized backed his truck up to the front door, walked in with an armful of toys that he dropped in the box, then walked out to get some more.”

“He did that a few more times, then walked in with a box full of toys, set it down, walked out without ever saying a word to anyone and drove off.”

Terra Leahy said Bryan will finish his military commitment and likely be home for good in 2008. Her husband, she said, eventually wants to go into law enforcement; but for now, his commitment to the military comes first.

“He’s always been the one standing up for the underdog. As much as I want him to be home safe, I know this is who he is, and it’s important to him.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Toys for Tots Campaign

WHEN: The last day to drop off donations is Saturday. The pub is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

WHERE: Patrick’s Pub, 2645 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa

INFO: Donations of any kind are appreciated, but there is a shortage of toys for children younger than 2 and older than 12. For information, call Donna or Vince at (714) 966-2721.

QUESTION-AN-ANSWER WITH A MARINE

Terra Leahy asked her husband, Marine Sgt. James Bryan Leahy, who is stationed in Iraq, several questions.

Q: What do you think about Patrick’s Pub hosting the Toys for Tots campaign in your name?

A: Totally awesome, really cool! I was shocked to hear that so many people are donating to have the entire backroom already stocked with toys.

Q: How do you feel working at and for Patrick’s Pub?

A: I love working for Patrick’s Pub. Vince and Donna are probably the best employees I’ve ever worked for. It’s not like going into a job; it’s like going to be with family.

Q: Why did you join the Marine Corps?

A: To serve my country, and to be a part of something that is bigger then myself. I chose the Marine Corps because it was the hardest and most difficult. I wanted a challenge.

Q: Why did you volunteer to go to Iraq?

A: To make sure my friends come home.

Q: How do you feel about being in Iraq?

A: Doesn’t really change anything. Being a Marine in Iraq is no different than at home. Risk to injury is a little higher; instead of worrying about drunk drivers, we have to worry about suicide bombers. Being away from my family, wife and friends is not an aspect of it that I like, but being here, and helping the Iraqi people get their lives back together is worth it.

Q: Do you feel supported?

A: Very supported. From elementary students’ cards and artwork to the many organizations that write letters of thanks and encouragement and send us care packages to all the family and friends that send constant care packages, letters and supplies. We feel very supported.

SUE THOENSEN may be reached at (714) 966-4627 or at sue.thoensen@latimes.com.