The heartbeat of the Scott community

Published Nov. 26, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Izcalli X. Martinez
375th Air Mobility Wing

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

Most people walk past old uniforms and forgotten baby clothes without a second thought, but for Sandra Mckenny, every donated item represents someone she might be able to help.

Group of people stand together for a photo. — Chief Master Sgt. Gene R. Collins’ Airman’s Attic volunteers gather for a group photo on Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Nov. 6, 2025. The volunteers just finished their operating hours shift. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Izcalli X Martinez)

Mckenny moved to Scott from Scotland with her husband as a permanent change of station assignment shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in September 2005.

With a heart of empathy and a desire to help, she reached out to the American Red Cross. Without any immediate volunteer opportunities, they recommended she volunteer at the Airman’s Attic in the meantime.

For over 20 years, Sandra has been a volunteer at the Chief Master Sgt. Gene R. Collins’ Airman’s Attic, learning and growing within the community around her.

“I enjoy what we do for the Airmen and I also enjoy all the volunteers,” said Sandra when speaking on some of her highlights while continuing to engage with the community. “I’ve made some great friends here.”

Two women smile for photo — Sandra Mckenny and Anne Goodwin, volunteers from the Chief Master Sgt. Gene R. Collins’ Airman’s Attic pose for a portrait on Nov. 6, 2025, on Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Mckenny and Goodwin have been a part of the Attic for over 30 years total. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Izcalli X Martinez)

Throughout her time at the Airmen’s Attic, the connections Sandra built became a supportive backbone in her personal life to include a lifelong friend she made in 2013, Anne Goodwin, Airman’s Attic volunteer for over 10 years.

“My 90-year-old mother lives here and works,” said Goodwin. “When I'm out of town for whatever reason, Sandra will go to her house and pick her up to bring her here, so my mom has something to do. If I’m out of town and my mom needs a doctor, she…will come and get my mom and take her to doctor’s appointments. We truly are a family.”

With the constant rotation of volunteers coming and leaving to help with the Attic, there is an immense amount of gratitude towards each group that comes along.

“We have a really good core group of volunteers,” said Mckenny. “We really couldn't function without our volunteers.”

The Airman’s Attic is open twice a week: Tuesday and Thursday from 9-12 p.m.

Pile of donated goods stacked into bags and bins

Pez dispensers lined against a wall for a collection.