Airmen's Attic has something for everyone

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cory Gossett
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  For many first-term Airmen, it can be difficult to be on their own. Being able to afford basic necessities doesn't always come easy on an Airman's income, even more so for those with dependents. Most Air Force bases have a place where Airmen can find some goods and help ease the strain on their budget.

"The Airman's Attic is a nonprofit center that supports all active-duty service members E-5 and below," said Master Sgt. Timothy Linder, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron water and fuels section chief. "Active-duty military members, and those in the Reserve and National Guard who are on orders, can pick up items for no charge."

The Airman's Attic is great for new Airmen or for families who have just arrived at Luke.

"Oftentimes families move and their goods haven't arrived yet," said Katrina Garza, Airman's Attic manager. "They need something to hold them until the transportation management office gets their stuff in. This is something the Airmen's Attic can provide."

The Airman's Attic will take donations from anyone who has access to the base. Donated items should be serviceable, clean, new or slightly used. Items accepted for donations include clothes, small appliances, kitchenware, uniforms, formal wear, shoes, linen, children's toys, baby accessories, and sports and fitness equipment.

Not everything inside the Airmen's Attic is restricted to E-5 and below. Inside the Airman's Attic is a section called the Prince Charming and Cinderella Closet, containing items for formal events and is open to all ranks, enlisted and officer.

"Airmen can't always afford formal wear for on-base or off-base events," Garza said. "We have many items for formal dances, formal events, and also have shoes and accessories to match."

Donated military uniforms are also available to any active-duty members regardless of rank.

The Airman's Attic makes all this possible through volunteers. They run solely on volunteers and donations. Anyone can volunteer as long as they can get on base.

"Running and maintaining the Airman's Attic and Cinderella's Closet takes a tremendous amount of time," Linder said. "Volunteering helps offset this undertaking by stepping up and taking on roles that would sometimes be missed or fall to the wayside.

Volunteering at the Airman's Attic gives Airmen a chance to step away from their desk and volunteer for a good cause.

"It's a low stress atmosphere," Linder said. "It gives volunteers the opportunity to see another aspect of our great Air Force community.

Donations will be accepted during hours of operation, 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday and the first and third Saturdays of the month. It is located at Bldg. 750, which is the old officers club. The Airman's Attic requests that large items or items in bulk be coordinated with the staff before being dropped off.

For more information, call the Airman's Attic at 623-856-6415.