Senior Airman Christopher Stoltz looks through some of the donated items at Maxwell Air Force Base's Airman's Attic, March 20. Maxwell’s Airman’s Attic provides a variety of items to enlisted Airmen E-6 and below. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Blankenship)

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Maxwell's Airman's Attic provides free items to Airmen and their families

Published March 26, 2012
By Airman 1st Class William J. Blankenship
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Airmen helping Airmen is a way of life for those who call Maxwell Air Force Base their home. Maxwell's Airman's Attic, located in building 914 on South Arnold Street, is an example of this tradition, by providing free items, from clothing to electronics, to enlisted Airmen E-6 and below, and their families.

"Our purpose is to give back to military families in need," said Crystal Nero, wife of an enlisted Airman and regular volunteer at the Airman's Attic.

The Airman's Attic is able to provide items to those in need on base by accepting donations from the local area, said Nero.

"We take any type of household furniture, children's toys, outdoor equipment and clothing as donations," Nero explained. Any items donated that the Airman's Attic cannot use are donated to other non-profit organizations in the local area.

Recently the facility has seen an increase in visitors and donations alike due to a change of location to a more centralized location on base, said Bob Callahan, director of the Airman's Attic and longtime volunteer.

"I usually saw about 15 people a day, until we moved locations," said Callahan. "Now I see 40 to 50 people."

The increase in traffic creates a need for more donations. "Without donations, I have nothing to give to people," Callahan said. Donations make the Attic work, said Callahan.

"Without the donator's support and volunteers there wouldn't be an Airman's Attic."

In addition to active-duty volunteers, there are a number of military wives who volunteer their time every day, stated Callahan. "They are here like clockwork giving their time to make sure the military families have what they need."

Maxwell's Airman's Attic currently has volunteers from different squadrons rotating to cover the needs of the location. These volunteers give assistance by sorting donations, placing items on shelves for shoppers and cleaning the building, explained Callahan. Those who desire to volunteer at the Airman's Attic can stop by during any business hours and do so.

Maxwell's Airman's Attic can be contacted by calling 953-6200 and is open 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.