Lackland Air Force Base, Texas –
Forget your hat and don't have time to run home and get it? The Airman's Attic may be able to help. It has been assisting Airmen in a pinch for years and now it's doing so at a new location.
The Airman's Attic has moved out of the Airman and Family Readiness Flight basement and into Bldg. 1508, next to the Postal Services Center.
"A lot of times it's kind of amusing because we have people run in saying they left their cap, a belt or something like that at home and usually we can help them," said Celeste Miller.
Mrs. Miller signed on as a volunteer at the Airman's Attic a year ago, joining volunteer Dawn Hagen who had been running the nonprofit operation single-handedly for a year.
The Airman's Attic, supported strictly by volunteers, carries all sorts of merchandise from uniforms to baby items, small furniture to household goods and various odds and ends.
All of the items are free and available to all ranks. Individuals with a valid military identification card can take up to eight non-clothing items and up to 10 garments per visit.
"I love it. It's awesome," said Airman First Class Mallori Whitaker from the 343rd Training Squadron. "I got a lot of stuff, duffel bag, knickknacks, candles and things that would have cost me a lot of money. But I got all of it free."
Mrs. Hagen, who is in need of more volunteers, is gearing up for increased activity at the new location, which she said is more visible and accessible.
"There are a number of people who do not know we have an Airman's Attic but I think they will certainly notice us now," said Mrs. Hagen. "This has become my baby over the last two years, and I have been fighting to keep it open and make it better. We're getting there."
The Attic relies strictly on donations from servicemembers and civilians. Donors can drop off items, which are tax deductible, during regular hours Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, call the Airman's Attic at 671-1780.