Airman’s Attic to re-open after excessive dumping

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rob Hazelett
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Whiteman's Airman's Attic is set to re-open Aug. 1 after it temporarily closed after the store received many unusable items dumped in their receiving dock. 

The Attic was initially closed July 10 to clean, set-up new shelving and reorganize to allow a better traffic flow through the shopping area. However, the excessive influx of unusable items made it difficult for the volunteers who operate the facility to keep on schedule. 

"Many of these items were beyond poor condition, exceeding the time it takes our volunteers to go through and weed out the good from the bad," said Diane Munley, Airman and family readiness community readiness consultant. 

In an effort to eliminate such influxes, the A&FRC has asked that people interested in donating a large item do so when a volunteer is present such as: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

"This newest dumping problem began in May, and it has been a problem for many years with the biggest issues during the high PCS'ing months," said Jack Bryant, A&FRC director. "The bottom line is: If it's garbage, and you wouldn't want it in your house - don't bring it here." 

Since there is not enough space for many items, the A&FRC has loaded the items up and made several trips to donate them to local communities. 

"Due to our limited storage, we donate things that we have in abundance and goods that do not move from the shelves in 60 days to local non-profit organizations such as Whiteman's Thrift Store, Show-Me Christian Youth Home, Warrensburg Community Closet and The Salvation Army," Mrs. Munley said. 

"During our closure, we were blessed with many wonderful donations and the volunteers were unable to process all these items and work on the interior at the same time," she added. 

Currently, the store has three volunteers who assist in cleaning up the facility. However, more are needed. 

"A handful of military members have donated their time to assist in helping restore the Attic," Mrs. Munley said. "We welcome any military member or family interested in volunteering. Even an hour of someone's day would help in the sorting and shelving of donations." 

While the mission of the Attic continues to provide active-duty Airman with free, gently-used clothing, uniforms, furniture, dishes, house wares, toys and more, Mrs. Munley said no Airman wants to furnish his home with items beyond repair. 

The A&FRC has planned to discourage excessive dumping and pilfering by installing security cameras to deter those who may be doing it. 

"We have had boxes dropped off that were piled up in the street beyond the loading dock," said Tina Shreve, Airman's Attic volunteer. "We have had boxes opened and items strewn on the dock to the point we couldn't open the back door to get to the donations." 

To assist patrons donating small item after-hours, two-large steel shelving units have been placed on the Attic's receiving dock that provide additional shelter for donations, Mrs. Munley added. 

The Attic will be open to all ranks in August and September. Facility hours of operation are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For more information on donating items or to volunteer, call 687-7132.