Mark Hamill and Star Wars Characters Visit L.A. Children's Hospital

Mark Hamill led a cadre of Star Wars characters like Darth Vader, R2-D2, and several stormtroopers on a mission of peace this week. The group went to the L.A. Children's Hospital for a Force-fueled visit to the kids battling the dark side there.

Hamill posted about the experience on facebook, saying, "Thank YOU Children's Hospital Los Angeles! Feeling the pure joy & exuberance of those children up close & personal is a gift to cherish."

Lucasfilm and the Star Wars cast and crew have a long history of supporting charity and other causes. The fan-run 501st Legion assists in those missions with a group of "bad guys doing good," dressing as stormtroopers and various other Imperial characters at events around the globe.