Photo By Sgt. Benjamin Watson | Items donated to the Airborne Attic, an initiative under Army Community Services for...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Benjamin Watson
49th Public Affairs Detachment
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – If you weren't paying attention while in-processing at Fort Bragg, you probably missed it.
It was in the Army Community Services briefing and it's called the Airborne Attic and Lending Closet, located at the corner of Woodruff and Ord Streets on base.
"The Air Force has had this program for quite a while. It was called 'The Airman's Attic,'" said David Stamper, relocations program manager for Fort Bragg ACS.
The intent behind the "attic idea," said Stamper, was to establish a place where military personnel and civilians could donate their excess belongings. The goal, he said, is to help out junior-enlisted service members and their families in need – whether that need is temporary or otherwise.
It's great for new parents and single moms too, said ACS relocations specialist Rita Dillon.
Inside the building is a variety of household goods as well as small household appliances – toasters, microwaves, etc. But, because this ACS program works on a donation basis, supplies could change week-to-week. Recent additions, said Dillon, include an assortment of couches donated by a local furniture company.
Despite the Airborne Attic's mention in the ACS briefing, some new Soldiers miss the message amid the frenzy involved with moving to a new base.
Most Soldiers find out about the Airborne Attic through word of mouth, said Marci Kay, a relocations specialist with ACS.
Some people who don't know about the Airborne Attic go out and buy items, which are free and in perfectly good condition at the Airborne Attic, said Dillon.
"Though the Airborne Attic is designed for E-4 and below," said Stamper, "we will work with E-5's and above in the event of an emergency. It could be a house fire or something catastrophic."
In these circumstances, all a Soldier would need is a memorandum from his or her commander to access these services.
The changing of the seasons, too, is a chance for Soldiers and their family members to access the Airborne Attic's wide selection of apparel or bedding.
Some Soldiers transitioning to Fort Bragg from warmer climates have found themselves in a bit of a pickle, said Dillon, as far as for readiness autumn and winter is concerned.
"We have people who come from Hawaii who don't have anything for the winter," said Dillon.
That's where their jackets and the sheets and comforters come in handy.
In addition, to the rear of the Airborne Attic is a collection of apparel whose purpose, said Dillon, is for those "who come in and need some professional clothing for their new job.
"It started for people who are going to do interviews, who don't have clothes for their interviews."
The selection ebbs and flows weekly, said Dillon, and donations are always accepted.
At one point, said Stamper, the amount of clothing donations became so numerous that a partnership with the Bragg Thrift Shop was formed to take on some of the load. As a result, customers at the Airborne Attic can receive vouchers to shop for clothing at the thrift shop.
Beside the Airborne Attic is a supplemental ACS program called The Lending Closet. The Lending Closet was established to assist Soldiers and their families until their household items arrive from their previous location. Items such as pots, pans, plates, appliances and so forth line the shelves of The Lending Closet.
To use these items, said Dillon, "all you need is a copy of your [Permanent Change-of-Station] orders. As you're waiting for your household goods, this is just temporary issue until your household goods come in."
To help the cause, call 910-907-2842 to schedule a drop-off time. All donations are accepted, though items in good, usable condition are naturally preferred. The Airborne Attic also schedules pick-ups once per month, picking up large-item donations from across the local community.
| Date Taken: | 10.27.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.27.2008 16:49 |
| Story ID: | 25609 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 2,381 |
| Downloads: | 180 |
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