Airman’s Attic: Open to donations, volunteers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Aubrey White
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  What if someone said there's a center on base where Airmen, E-1 through E-6, and their dependents can fulfill their shopping needs at no cost?

They certainly wouldn't be lying, because such a place exists at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and most other Air Force installations worldwide, called the Airman's Attic.

The non-profit store relies on the goodwill of military and community members who provide donations and volunteer in order to help Airmen and their families who are in need.

"I don't work, so we're not bringing in any income other than my husband's," said Emily Haffner, Airman's Attic volunteer and spouse of Tech. Sgt. Adam Haffner, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron water and fuels maintenance craftsman. "Shopping at the attic definitely helps offset our finances and the cost of what we would be spending on clothes."

The attic accepts a variety of donations including books, toys, serviceable uniforms, clothing for all sizes, electronics and almost any other non-perishable items a family may require.

Airmen, E-1 through E-4, can also submit their names to a waiting list for large items. Objects included on that list are living room, bedroom, children's room and dining room furniture, washers and dryers and kitchen appliances.

"I came here looking for children's clothes and cold-weather gear," said Senior Airman Chester Hensley, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "My wife and I have a baby girl on the way, so it's nice to be able to come here and find things for her for free."

Although attic volunteers accept various items, the following is a list of things they do not accept:

- Open food items

- Used underwear and socks

- Video tapes without cases

- Broken, chipped or cracked dishes

- Clothing items which are torn, stained, wet or have missing buttons or broken zippers

- Wire hangers

- Used make-up

- Used plastic grocery bags

"If you wouldn't want to take it, please don't donate it," said Shanna Hansen, frequent attic volunteer and spouse of Tech. Sgt. Joseph Hansen, 333rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit support NCO in-charge.

The Airman's Attic is currently only open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., due to a shortage in volunteers.

According to Andrew Colville, 4th Force Support Squadron casualty assistance counselor, they can always use more help. From time to time, he assists with delivering large items to Airmen who don't have capable vehicles.

"Our short-term goal is to open at least two days per week, then add evening hours," Haffner said. "In order to be open for shopping, we require five to six volunteers each shift, but we can use as many as possible because there's always organizing to be done."

If you would like to lend a helping hand with a variety of tasks ranging from sorting items and cleaning the shop to checking shoppers in and out Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., call (919) 722-7181.