Volunteers keep Airman's Attic stocked and tidy Published March 18, 2015 By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Countless military members stream into the Chief Master Sgt. Gene R. Collins Airman's Attic every week to get much needed uniform items, books, clothing, children's toys, kitchen supplies, baby supplies, and various other items. The Airman's Attic is an important resource at Scott Air Force Base, providing free items to military members who are E-4 and below and their family members. Any military member can receive uniforms and books from the Airman's Attic, also for free. However, the Airman's Attic could not provide its services without the volunteers who donate their time to run the facility week to week. "There are eight volunteers who are here every week," said Sandra McKenney, Airman's Attic Core Volunteer. "We also have volunteers from units across the base who come in to help sort items and put them out on the shelves." Donated items arrive by the bag and box to a loading dock at the back of the building, where volunteers receive the items before sorting them and putting them out in the store for people to take home. As the items are sorted, things which are too worn to be used in the Airman's Attic are set aside and are donated to a mission and an animal shelter nearby. "Everything that is donated is used in some capacity," said McKenney. "We even keep worn-out ABUs for ROTC groups, hunters, and paintballers." Plenty of clothing, shoes, and other items are donated to the Airman's Attic by people across the base, but the Airman's Attic also often receives brand new items from outside organizations. Marcia Skavdal, Airman's Attic Core Volunteer, said, "Heroes Care sends items in about every couple of weeks. They are usually brand new items that are useful to new Airmen, Airmen with families, and those just moving out of the dorms." The Airman's Attic receives a lot of donations each day, but there are some items that people are always looking to find. "We get asked about diapers on a weekly basis," said Skavdal. "Any kind of furniture is always something Airmen are looking for, especially those moving out of the dorms who are on their own for the first time." Every volunteer at the Airman's Attic is donating their own time, and the core volunteers are there each week, without fail. McKenney said, "I started coming because I wanted something to do. I'm still here, 10 plus years later, because I really enjoy it." Tracy Peterson, Airman's Attic Core Volunteer, has two children and a daughter-in-law in the military. "I hope someone would provide this type of service for my kids where they are stationed," said Peterson. The Airman's Attic is open each Tuesday, Thursday, and the first Saturday of each month from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. to receive donations. It is open for military members to "shop" from 9 to 11 a.m. Donations of just about everything are accepted and are appreciated by the attic. Some items that are often needed are clothes and shoes for all sizes, uniform items for all branches, gently used toys, sports equipment, bicycles, household items, furniture, linens, small kitchen appliances, and books. McKenney said, "The only things we can't take are stoves, large exercise equipment, and gas powered items. We do take large seasonal items in season, like grills. Grills need to be cleaned before we can accept them." There is a bulletin board at the Airman's Attic where people can post "free to Airman" items which are too big to bring into the Airman's Attic. To donate, bring items to the Airman's Attic during operating hours, located at 707 Hangar Road (Bldg. 533). Tax receipts are available. For more information, call 618-256-3840, email airmansattic@msn.com, or check out their Facebook page at CMSgt. Gene R. Collins Airman's Attic, Scott AFB. Volunteers are always needed at the Airman's Attic. Contact them for more information on donating time.