Airman's Attic looking for weekday volunteers

  • Published
  • By Lee Ross
  • Nucleus editor
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The Airman's Attic has helped lots of Airmen over the years, and now the people who volunteer their time there say they need a little help.

That's according to Candice Birrenkott, Airman's Attic director.

The attic supplies free, gently used clothes and household goods to active-duty Airmen, rank E-5 or below, and their dependents. Clothing, books, toys, electronics, small and large household items are all available.

The Airman's Attic also supplies uniforms for active-duty Airmen and others, including the Civil Air Patrol.

Birrenkott said interacting with customers is a highlight of her time volunteering, especially when they don't know the items are free.

"It's cute and funny sometimes when an Airman 1st Class will bring his wallet out. I tell them it's free, they're like, 'You mean I don't have to pay?' And they go back and grab more uniforms," she said. "Uniforms are so expensive."

Jennifer Norton, assistant director for Airman's Attic, said having the uniforms -- which are carefully sorted to be sure they're up to standards -- can be a lifesaver for young Airmen.

Airmen who forgot a dress uniform for an event that afternoon often come in and grab one off the rack, she said. Norton said she's also seen mothers come in after their infants had a "diaper disaster" and grab new baby clothes.

The services Airman's Attic provides are only possible through volunteer labor and donations, though, Birrenkott said. And the attic gets a lot of donations, which is great, she said, but to get those donations sorted and on shelves, she needs volunteers.

"We have tons of people who utilize the Airman's Attic," she said. "When I have stacks and stacks of donations, the only way to get it done is to close down."

Volunteer help often comes from squadrons that organize groups of volunteers to come in over the weekend, she said.

The Airman's Attic is also helping with the Babies in Need Drive with the First Sergeants Council. Collection points are at the 377th Medical Group Building, the Commissary, and the Base Exchange. All types of new baby items are accepted, as well as cash.

Chrisan H. Smith, Family Advocacy Outreach Program manager, said the program is a great benefit for young Airmen.

"The Airman's Attic gets all the diapers and baby wipes to give to Airmen E-5 and below when they hit a rocky place," she said.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center gets the baby powder, shampoo and other items for its pantry to give out and the New Parent Support Program takes in any blankets, clothes and similar items for our young, at-risk families.

"With this one effort we benefit three great programs that help our young families," Smith said.

The program has taken in about $6,000 in products so far, she said.

Although there are lots of programs and ways people help the Airman's Attic in place, Birrenkott said the real need is for people to come in during business hours and help out.

Airman's Attic worked with the First Sergeants Council to put on a Babies in Need Drive on May 4. There were collection points set up across Kirtland to collect money and baby items for the Airman's Attic to distribute to Airmen who are E-5 and in need of a little help.

The money was used to replenish the supply of baby items when needed.

The New Parent Support Program also benefitted, taking in blankets and clothes for young at-risk families.

The drive brought in $1,800 in cash.

Airman's Attic is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is on the southwest corner of Frost Avenue and 1st Street. The door is on the south side of the building.

For more information or to volunteer, call 846-0460.