Is Airman's Attic RAF Lakenheath's best kept secret?
 

Is Airman's Attic RAF Lakenheath's best kept secret?

03-08-2011 08:14 AM

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Tue, 2011-03-08 16:10


Is Airman's Attic RAF Lakenheath's best kept secret?


feature_story_photo:
http://uk.stripes.com/sites/default/...39;s attic.JPGVolunteers keep Airman's Attic running
Heather Joy
Airman's Attic coordinator Dawn Michalek and volunteer Tanya Smith organize donations at the Airman’s Attic on RAF Lakenheath.





Is Airman's Attic RAF Lakenheath's best kept secret?

Heather Joy

Every week volunteers from the RAF Lakenheath community sift and sort through donations on their way to shelves and eventually into the homes of fellow airmen.
The RAF Lakenheath Airman's Attic, a facility open to airmen of all ranks and their dependents, consists of free basic household goods to include appliances, dishes, clothing, toys and furniture that are donated by other base personnel throughout the United Kingdom.
“We have a generous community,” said Dawn Michalek, the coordinator for the Airman's Attic. She explains that the attic is an important part of the community allowing active duty members and their families to get the items they may need. According to Michalek the generosity of the community means that the attic receives enough donations making it possible for the attic to be open to all ranks.
“This is the first attic that I have to been to where we have more donations then shoppers,” added Michalek.
Depending on the donation levels some items like appliances, electronics and furniture may be limited to E-5 and below shoppers.
According to Jayanne Hartman, co-coordinator the Airman’s Attic helps the environment as well by providing a way for these items to be reused or recycled so that they don’t end up in landfills.
However, there are times when products do have to passed onto landfills or recycling centers. “If people leave items outside for donation and it gets wet, we can not use it and then we have to dispose of it,” added Michalek.
The Airman’s Attic accepts donations of most things at any time they are open, with the exception of computer monitors, toddler potty training aides, and anything with flammable liquids. Michalek adds that they appreciate if donators call first before bringing in furniture or large appliances, so they can make sure there is room for it.
Besides the donated household items that the attic provides, they also have an extensive supply uniforms that airmen can select from helping them save money. Michalek adds that the attic can be reached at any time by a First Sergeant if there is a uniform need. “There are times when people arrive to Lakenheath and their luggage is lost.” She also explained that in times of emergency, for example home fire, the attic can be opened so that airmen and their families can get needed supplies.
According to Michalek many people are not aware that the attic is available to all active duty members and their families in the United Kingdom.
Hartman explains that the attic is the, “best kept secret” on base.

The Airman’s Attic is located in building 651, behind the bowling alley.
Donations hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.Shopping & donation hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 6 – 8 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m. – noon

To contact the Airman’s Attic call DSN: 226 – 2140



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