Airman's Attic makes move to new facility

  • Published
  • By Diane Betzler
  • staff writer
Edwards AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Airman's Attic has moved to a new location and larger facility in an effort to better serve its Edwards Air Force Base family.

Although not yet set up or ready to serve, Nichole Parker, facility manager and her team of volunteers opened the Attic for two days at the beginning of this week to help families get ready for the upcoming holiday.

"We're not technically ready to open, but a lot of families are depending on us for Christmas," Mrs. Parker said.

Stocked with everything from children and adult clothing to kitchen items that include electronic appliances, the facility also has lots of knickknacks in stock that have a way of turning a house into a home or make wonderful gifts to be shared with others.

There is an ample supply of linens, living and dining room furniture and children's' bedroom furniture from cribs for the wee ones to bunk beds for the older tots. There are also lots and lots of toys for Santa to fill his sack with.

The Attic is a resource to help junior enlisted members. It's a place where Edwards Airmen who are E-6 and below, single or married, can shop for themselves and their families.

"Everything here is donated and everything that goes out is free," said Mrs. Parker.

The Airman's Attic will also open on the first Saturday of each month for senior enlisted Airmen E-7 and above although their shopping experience will be limited to selected items.

Mrs. Parker said the facility is used heavily by Airmen and their families and is in need of additional volunteers to serve during open hours.

The Attic also welcomes the Marines stationed at Edwards and their family members as well.

Mrs. Parker is asking for volunteers from Airmen and their spouses.

"Even if you can only give us an hour a week," she said. "I'll take every bit of help I can get."

Donors have been supplying a variety of items including military uniforms.

"It's good to pass on stuff that others can use," said Marine Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Sorrells, who was at the Attic donating items his family no longer needs.

A father of two with a new baby on the way, Chief Warrant Officer Sorrells was donating some of his children's clothing that they outgrew before having a chance to wear. "A lot of these outfits still have the tags on them, they've never been worn," he said.

Chief Warrant Officer Sorrells said the Attic is an opportunity for folks to share the wealth.

The Airman's Attic is located at the Desert Mall between the U.S. Post Office and the Edwards Thrift Shop. It is slated to open Jan. 5 and will be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of each week from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating merchandise, should stop by and talk to Nichole Parker.