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Airman's Attic: new and improved

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carissa Wolff
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
The Air Force offers a resource where airmen can help other airmen, their fellow wingmen, by donating gently used items to the Airman's Attic. 

The Airman's Attic is a facility where junior enlisted Airmen and their families can go to get free donated goods. All items are free for Airmen who are E-5 and below and there is usually a limit of items per week. The Airman's Attic is also run by a volunteer staff. 

At the Airman's Attic is a plethora of items ranging from baby supplies to military uniforms. These items are second hand but gently used. Some items are diamonds in the ruff with the price tags still attached. 

All the items are donated from anyone who wants to contribute. 

The Airman's Attic was recently revamped after the management changed hands. Shelley Turpen and Jessica Mullen recently took over as managers. 

"We entirely reorganized so it would be easier for our patrons to find what they need in the Airman's Attic and we now have a policy where we try getting all donations out onto the floor the same day they are received so they are immediately available for our patrons," said Ms. Bernie McFarling, the Airman's Attic liaison for the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "Without the help of all of the Team Andersen volunteers the renovations of the past three weeks would never have been possible." 

"I usually try to come here at least once a week," said Airman 1st Class Chelsea Suhr, member of the 36th Force Support Squadron and mother of one. "This is a great place to find things because all the items are constantly changing. 

There is a limit on the number of items people may take, but that limit changes each week. 

"Depending on how many donations we receive is how many items there are allowed per week," said Ms. Turpen. "This week the limit is 40 items because we had a big influx of items." 

The Airman's Attic is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Airmen that are E-5 and below. However, every first Friday of the month, the Airman's Attic is open to all ranks for shopping. 

Items that can be donated consist of or can include any small household items, small appliances, toys, clothes, books, movies, and baby items. 

Some donations that cannot be accepted consist of washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, gas/motor oil, household/auto tires, large mattresses (other than toddler/crib), undergarments, cleaning supplies, food, health and beauty products and baby pacifiers/bottle nipples (unless new in package). 

The Airman's Attic can provide the patron with a list of alternative donation sites across the island if their donations cannot be accepted. 

The items that are donated to the Airman's Attic are put to use. 

"As a single mother the Airman's Attic has helped me to provide for my daughter," said Airman Suhr. "I hardly had to buy any baby clothes or needed baby accessories for her, which allowed me to buy other necessities such as groceries." 

The Airman's Attic prefers that it gets its donations during store hours; however, one can drop off their donated items in a small storage bin provided at the back door for after hours use. If large items such as a lounge chair are going to be donated it is preferred that a phone call precedes the donation arrival.