Helping the Military Family during the Holidays

Published Dec. 29, 2008
By Margie Arnold
21st Force Support Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- You don't have to drive to the mall this holiday season to help those in need. You can extend a helping hand to military members and their families right here on Peterson Air Force Base by donating to the Airman's Attic.

The Airman's Attic is a place operated by volunteers where military members in the grades of E-5 and below can get children's clothing, toys, a variety of kitchen utensils, dishes, furniture, large and small appliances, electronics and miscellaneous items - all for free. Military uniforms are also available for free.

"Any branch of military service may get items from the Airman's Attic," said Jim Reynolds, the volunteer coordinator who manages the Airman's Attic for the Airman & Family Readiness Center. "We have military from Peterson, Schriever, Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy coming to the Airman's Attic."

Visits are limited to once per week. "Take what you need," said Reynolds, "but what you take should be for your personal use." During each visit, an Airman is limited to five items. As Reynolds explained, 10 articles of children's clothing are counted as one item, a set of dishes is counted as one item, and so on. A chart at the front desk explains what constitutes one item and volunteers on duty can help Airmen who have questions.

The need for items from the Airman's Attic is growing, but donations are slim. If you want to help military families with quality items you no longer need, drop them off at the Airman's Attic, located in the former base exchange building near the base chapel.

"Most of the time we need children's clothing and furniture," Reynolds said. "Because of our limited space, we cannot keep adult clothing. We do, however, forward it on to organizations downtown such as Dress for Success and others."

If the Airman's Attic's hours are not convenient for dropping off donations, people can leave their donations in the donation box outside the front door, Reynolds said. And under special circumstances, donors can arrange in advance to bring large items to the Airman's Attic outside of normal hours.

Reynolds says you don't have to wait for the holiday season to lend a helping hand. The Airman's Attic takes donations all year round because the need is all year round.

The Airman's Attic is located in Bldg. 1425, the former base exchange building, and is open year round from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 556-3215 for more information.