TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Airmen starting their new lives in the military sometimes need a helping hand getting settled in new surroundings. The Airman's Attic is a program in place that does this very thing.


Located in the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the attic is staffed by volunteers with the mission of providing Airmen, E-5 and below, with various clothes and supplies.


"The Airman's Attic offers Tyndall Airmen and their families a place to pick up uniforms, household items, children's clothes and toys free of charge," said Tamara Marler, 325th Force Support Squadron Community Readiness consultant."Donations can be dropped off anytime at the Airman's Attic. If the Attic is closed, donations can be placed outside of the Airman and Family Readiness building Airman's Attic entrance."




Volunteers at the attic serve approximately 100 Airmen a month, Marler added.



"It's a joy and a privilege to help new Airmen get the things they need," said Susan Hoversten, Air Force spouse and Airmen's Attic volunteer. "My personal mission for my work here is to increase the amount of donations so we can help more Airmen," "We will take most clothing items, but right now we don't have space available to take adult clothing.



Airmen have the opportunity to take whatever they wish, free of charge, with a limit placed on how many items they take.


"Each customer must sign the client log and present a valid military I.D. or Agent Letter when shopping or picking up wish list items," Marler said. "Each household is expected to abide by a monthly item allowance, which is determined by the quantity of donations available. Currently it is five items per month. For example, one bag of children's clothes is one item and a set of dishes counts as another." "




Donations are also tax deductible.




"All items donated at the Airman's Attic may be saved for tax deduction, similar to thrift stores," Marler said. "After you finish donating, all you have to do is ask for a donation form."




To make arrangements before donating any large items please contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (850) 283-4204.