Marines to scrub up support

If you pass by Costa Mesa City Hall and see 60 Marines scrambling around and Humvees posted in the parking lot Saturday, don’t panic; they’re there for you.

Well, actually, they’re there for your car.

Saturday morning men and women from the 1st Battalion 5th Marines regiment will be on hand to raise money for their families in times of need.

When Marines are deployed around the world, sometimes even the simplest things, such as buying or fixing home appliances or getting repairs done on a car can be more demanding and costlier without them there, organizers said.

Money raised Saturday will help families meet those demands while their Marine is away and help put on future 1/5 events.

The Marines, stationed at Camp Pendleton and adopted by Costa Mesa last month, will not only help wash your car, but also have plenty of goodies for the kids to check out too, involving military Humvees and other military equipment.

They’ll be outfitted in several types of military garb, including a sniper’s Gilly Suit, city officials said.

“What this does is provide for the family in need, we’ll use this money when the Marine is deployed and their loved ones need some help,” said Fred Arnold, one of the event’s organizers.

Food and beverages will be available to buy, and the recommended donation to the car wash is $20.

Participants also receive an admission pass to the Orange County Market Place that is good until the end of the year.

The event is also environmentally friendly, organizers say, because car-washers will be using the ProntoWash Auto Spa system, which uses biodegradable, foamless detergent and only one liter of water for every car.

The car wash is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Saturday.

For more information, call city staff employees at (714) 754-5688 or (714) 754-5219.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at [email protected].