JBER’s Attic offers military, household goods at no cost

  • Published
  • By Air Force Tech Sgt. Raymond Mills
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  As you enter the nondescript building at the corner of 20th Street and Saville Avenue, you may notice young service members perusing the aisles, picking through shelves and racks of miscellaneous housewares and military items.

Welcome to JBER's Attic, a non-profit volunteer-based organization sponsored by the Top Three, a leadership group consisting of volunteers from the three top enlisted ranks on the base.

Visitors to the Attic are encouraged to take up to 100 free items per month.

Items are donated by the military community and must meet specific criteria set by the management.

All service members are welcome to shop, donate or volunteer.

"Having a second child and being away from family and friends is challenging," said Shay Soyke, wife of a Soldier with the 56th Engineer Company, 6th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne). "The support structure you usually rely on is unavailable, so being able to use the JBER Attic to offset costs helps."

Airman 1st Class Josiah Sorrels, a structural apprentice with the 773d Civil Engineer Squadron, agrees.

"The Attic is a great alternative resource, a blessing to Airmen and their families between paychecks, and an excellent place to find a cool piece of extra gear," Sorrels said. "You never know what you might find. It's the thrill of discovery with the joy of something for free."

The inventory extends well beyond military clothing.

"JBER's Attic provides gently used donations, such as uniforms, civilian attire for all ages, home décor, kitchen utensils, small appliances, craft items, baby supplies, children's toys, electronics, furniture and much more," said Valerie Myers, Attic manager.

The Attic is geared toward pay grade E-6 and below and their families, but remains open to all ranks and retirees.

Airmen and Soldiers E-4 and below are allowed to come in Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., while E-6 and below may come on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All others are welcome the first Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Although shopping time are based on rank, donations are accepted 24/7.

"Everyone is encouraged to donate clean usable items to the attic," Myers said.

"However, we do not accept large appliances, mattresses (though crib mattresses are OK), outdated computers or electronics; stained, torn or outdated clothing; tube televisions; stained, torn or broken furniture; car seats; tires or chemicals," Myers said.

The donation area outside contains shelves; donors are asked to use those, and to not block entrances. Tax receipts are available during business hours.

Due to the volume of donations, the Attic is in constant need of volunteers to assist with sorting donations and stocking shelves.

"Volunteering is a chance to meet new friends, and get out of the house while having child care provided," said Kellie Hayden, an Attic customer.

For information, visit their Facebook page; it is listed as JBER Airman's Attic.

To volunteer, email jberattic@gmail.com, or call 552-5878. To coordinate childcare, talk to a manager at 552-5878.