FEATURES

Airman’s Attic provides free items, goods

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jake Carter
  • 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  More often than not, an attic is usually the place where unused items slowly collect dust until they are forgotten.

However, that's not the case for this attic. Three times a week, this attic is full of hustle and bustle and one can often spot mothers exchanging outgrown children's clothing, active-duty members turning in two stripes for three, and newly-married couples picking up furniture to fill an empty house.

This is the Airman's Attic at Nellis Air Force Base -- a volunteer-based organization where Airmen of all ranks can turn in or pick up military uniform items, and Airmen E-5 and below can score anything from a book to a TV; all for free.

"We provide a free service of household goods, baby items and furniture," said Steven Cook, Airman's Attic lead volunteer. "You are able to get nine small items and one large item a month. A large item is an item that requires two people to carry out. A small item is anything smaller than a large item, and 20 baby items can be combined to make one small item."

If patrons find an item they want but can't take home, hold tags that reserve the item until the next business day will be provided.

Donations can be made to the store seven days a week, but if donators need assistance unloading or want a tax receipt, the shop is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Cook said one of the biggest issues the Airman's Attic faces is the shop receives a lot of unserviceable items, which can't be accepted, but will be donated to other organizations in the local area.

Tech Sgt. Angie Cooper, Airman's Attic manager, took responsibility of the Airman's Attic earlier this year after serving as president of the Nellis 5/6 Council -- the organization that is in charge of the shop -- and said the hardest part of running the Airman's Attic is finding volunteers.

"While we do have our civilian leads that are here every day, they can't do it alone," said Cooper. "So, I'd say the hardest part is finding volunteers. Another challenge is making sure the volunteers have all the supplies they need, and also keeping up the building."

With volunteers being in high demand at the Airman's Attic, Cooper encourages people to come out and help the Nellis AFB community.

"Please volunteer," exclaimed Cooper. "Also, I encourage all ranks to come out and look at the uniform selection. The uniforms are open to all ranks. Everything else is E-5 and below, but there are many great and helpful items available!"

The Airman's Attic is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Hours of operation can only increase with additional help from volunteers. Individuals interested in helping out the Airman's Attic can contact 702-652-4765.