Loan Locker fills gap

Published Nov. 16, 2015
By Dave Smith
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A short term need for household goods can present a challenge. Fortunately the Loan Locker can help fill the gap when items are needed while personal goods are in transit or even when family comes to visit for a holiday meal.

During a permanent change of station, arrival before personal belongings is typical, which leaves a family without basic items to temporarily set up their home. The Loan Locker has a wide variety of goods including dishes, pots and pans, irons, microwaves and sleeping mattresses. High chairs, pack and play beds, strollers, car seats, even folding tables and chairs are available for loan as well.

Sharon Hodges, Loan Locker manager, said the primary purpose is to loan out items to people who are PCSing into or out of Peterson Air Force Base while they wait for their personal possessions to arrive.

"We have all they need," Hodges said. "They do not have to buy these things when they are waiting for their stuff to arrive. It saves them monetarily and it takes some of the stress off."

To take advantage of Loan Locker services one needs to bring a copy of his or her orders and a valid work phone number to borrow what is needed for 30 days. Guest loans are available for retirees and Department of Defense civilians for two week periods. Hodges said people from Peterson AFB, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Schriever AFB and the U.S. Air Force Academy can borrow items as well.

The busiest times for the nine volunteers on staff are, of course, PCS season and around the holidays. When visitors come, Hodges said a lot of guest loans are made for things like tables and chairs, sleeping mats, baking equipment and crock pots.

Hodges said many people do not know about the Loan Locker, even though it is mentioned in briefings. The program has been around for decades, yet she didn't know about it until the later years of her husband's active-duty time.

"It's a wonderful program I think. I've always believed in it," she said. "Come on over, we're glad to have you."

The Loan Locker is located in building 1525 at Peterson Boulevard and Selfridge Street. Hours are Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.