Airman’s Attic: Giving back to the community

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jonathan McElderry | Airman’s Attic volunteers arrange items at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 31, 2016. The Airman’s Attic is a nonprofit self-servicing thrift store open to all military members and their dependents. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan McElderry)  

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND, UNITED STATES

11.16.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Jonathan McElderry 

Minot Air Force Base

In October 2016, the Minot Air Force Base Airman’s Attic had more than 60 volunteers who dedicated more than 300 hours to provide approximately 7,737 free items for Team Minot.
The Airman’s Attic is a nonprofit self-servicing thrift store open to all military members and their dependents throughout the year.
It offers a variety of donated items from clothes to books and toys. The attic is an all-volunteer program run by military and civilian personnel.
Heather Bickell, Airman’s Attic volunteer, said a great thing about the Attic is people getting whatever they need without spending any money.
She also talked about the community being the organization’s main focus.
“It’s not really about the items, it’s more about the people,” said Bickell, a volunteer since 2007. “The more people volunteer, the stronger the camaraderie grows between us and the members of the community.”
Bickell admitted that volunteering gives her a sense of pride.
“The greatest impact is helping the community and knowing my help has impacted others,” Bickell said. “I appreciate knowing how much community involvement is required to keep this program running.”
Master Sgt. Tyson Andrews, 5th Munitions Squadron conventional maintenance section chief, is one of the Airman’s Attic managers and often takes time out of his schedule to volunteer.
Andrews said the best part about the Airman’s Attic is the joy and relief it brings to others.
“It is important to give back,” Andrews said. “One of my favorite things is seeing someone walk out of the Airman’s Attic with a smile on their face.”
Bickell also said volunteers are always welcomed, whether they help for 45 minutes or four hours -- the program would simply not run without them.
“After you’ve volunteered here more than a few times, you really start to become part of the family,” Bickell said. “The friendship becomes constant.”
The Airman’s Attic is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers can walk in and sign up at the front desk. For more information, call 701-723-1818.

• Date Taken: 11.16.2016
• Date Posted: 11.16.2016 16:07
• Story ID: 214801
• Location: MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND, US