FEATURES

Shop smart, shop free at Airman's Attic

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Oleksandra G. Manko
  • Nellis AFB Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  Among couches, coffee tables, racks of clothing, laundry baskets, and shelves stacked with dishes and household appliances, reigns an atmosphere of excitement: Airmen and dependants are selecting free goods to take home.

Such is the normal mood at the Airman's Attic, a volunteer organization operated by the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The "Attic's" goal is to recycle household items and furniture by making them available to active-duty members, rank senior airman and below, and their dependants.

"I come here all the time," said Sunny Robbins, wife of Senior Airman Jonathan Robbins and a mother of two. "I love it. I think it's great for lower income military members and their families. If you have more kids than you can afford, it'll get you back on your feet."
 
The young mom said she often gets children's clothing at the "attic" and it has been a great help for her family.

The Airman's Attic allows Airmen and their families to take one large item, like a piece of furniture, and nine small items, like a dining set, a month. A valid military or dependant ID card is required to make a "purchase." The facility also carries military uniforms available to all ranks.

"If I take something and I end up not using it, I bring it back," said Mrs. Robbins. She also said sometimes when she sees usable items people leave on the sidewalk for the garbage truck, she picks them up and drops them off at the Airman's Attic.

Amanda Shire, who started volunteering at the "Attic" in September 2006 when her husband got deployed, said the shop gave her an opportunity to get out of the house and network with other spouses.

"We run solely on volunteer power," Mrs. Shire said. "You don't have to stay the whole time--coming in for an hour or two to bring in the donations, it helps out a lot."

Volunteer duties consist of assisting customers, bringing in and sorting donations, and keeping the premises clean and organized. It's a way to earn an enlisted performance report bullet, network with young families and a chance to aid Airmen in need.

The facility is always in need of volunteers and donations. Not all items are acceptable. To find out more about volunteering or suitable donations call the Airman's Attic at 652-4765 or the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 652-3327.
The "Attic's" hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It will be closed from Dec. 22 to Jan. 1.