KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 403rd Wing Airman’s Attic is open this Unit Training Assembly to assist reservists who may need a helping hand.
Free clothing, uniforms and small household goods, as well as pantry items, are available to wing members.
“The goal of the Airman’s Attic is to provide a place where anyone can stop by and get items they may need,” said Stacey Huffman, wing process manager. “Whether that be uniforms, clothes, food or other items that have been donated, it is there to help wing members.”
The Airman’s Attic, which will be open UTAs, is in the 403rd Wing Headquarters, building 223, on the first floor to the right of the command section and in the same hallway as the Judge Advocate office.
“The only thing we ask, is if reservists take uniform items that they bring their other uniform items in to exchange so we can continue to assist other wing members,” said Master Sgt. Jared Bryant, 403rd Wing resiliency integrator and first sergeant.
“Also, members who need assistance with food items, can coordinate with me,” said Bryant, who added that members are limited to one bag per family at this time.
The project has been in the works since July and came about as a service for wing members who may not be able to visit the Keesler Air Force Base Airman’s Attic.
“The base Airman’s Attic is available to reservists, but it’s not open on weekends so our reservists don’t have access,” said Bryant. “We decided to create our own that way the resources would be available to our members who may be struggling. This ensures the wellbeing and readiness of our members and their families.”
To make the venture a success, Bryant asks members to continue to donate clothes hangers, uniforms, gently used clothes in adult and child sizes, blankets, coats, back packs, toys, personal care items, small household items, and canned food items.
“Over the next year, we would like to see an increase in the donations we receive and be able to offer more items and hopefully non-perishable food items that members can take home with them if needed,” said Huffman. “If you have items to donate, please bring them by. All items need to be clean, usable items or food that is not expired or close to expiring.”
“These donations will have a profound impact for our wing and the surrounding community,” said Bryant, adding, that “any extra donations we receive that we can’t accommodate for in our small room here in the 403rd Wing will be donated to the base Airman’s Attic.”
Members who need to access the facility during the week, or would like to drop off donated items must coordinate with Bryant or Huffman in the 403rd Wing Command Section. Call them at 228-377-1934 or 228-377-1445 for more information.