Airman's Attic aids military families

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel
  • 19 AW
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The Airman's Attic at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., helps provide donations for 150 - 175 Airmen each week.

The mission of the Airman's Attic is to improve the quality of life for the junior enlisted and their families by providing much-needed items free of charge.

The Attic is run by Aibbi Esquivel and Lindsay Finley, two Little Rock Air Force Base dependents. The work that the two women put in is all volunteer based.

When Esquivel arrived at Little Rock AFB three years ago, she described the Airman's Attic as a blessing.

"We had nothing when we first moved here, (the Airman's Attic) helped a lot," Esquivel said. "People would be surprised at how many people in the Air Force need things."

Esquivel recognized the help that the Airman's Attic provided. She started volunteering and eventually worked her way up to running the Attic. Esquivel then recruited her friend Finley, and the two run the center together with the help of mostly active-duty volunteers.

"The LRAFB Airman's Attic has no revenue, budget, or single source of funding," Esquivel said. "The supplies at the Airman's Attic are all donated. Electronics, clothes, shoes, accessories, kitchenware, home decor, seasonal decor, games, movies and books can all be found at the Airman's Attic."

The Attic is open to ranks E-6 and below and their dependents. It is preferred but not required that spouses come with the active-duty member.

"The most donated item is clothing," Esquivel said. "We check each item to make sure it is in good condition."

Donations are always needed at the Airman's Attic. One can donate unused uniforms, dishes, pots, clothing, furniture or small appliances.

Browsing the Attic can be fun, but volunteering can be an even more satisfying experience said Senior Airman Seth Mowrey, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief.

"It is a rewarding experience helping other people in the Air Force," said Mowrey. "The Airman's Attic is a great asset for us."

Airmen will soon see big changes for the Attic.

"We have new active-duty management helping with logistics, advertising and volunteers," said Finley.

Along with new management, the Airman's Attic is also set to change locations.

"Hopefully in April, we will move to a new building," Finley said. "We are moving into the building where the Crossroads Café is now located. We are very excited to get a new, clean slate."

The Airman's Attic is currently located in building 940. Donations are accepted in the back of the building, but the drop-off location may soon be moved to the front again due to people mistaking the thrift store drop-off with the Attic's donation spot.

The Airman's Attic is open Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday 4 to 6 p.m.

People interested in volunteering should e-mail Master Sgt. Amber Person, 19th Airlift Wing ground safety chief, for available times.

For more information visit Little Rock AFB Airman's Attic Facebook page.