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New, improved Attic opens doors to JB MDL

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bryan Swink
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst volunteers recently renovated the previously named Airmen's Attic to improve the look and accessibility of items for servicemembers and their families. Volunteers opened the doors to The Attic Oct. 24.

"The items used to be scattered across the room with no real sense of organization," said Kayla Loveless, wife of Navy Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Wesley Loveless and The Attic volunteer. "The Attic now has a department-store feel with different sections for furniture, electronics, clothes and toys."

The week-long renovations included expanding the floor space; repainting the walls and floors; and an overall re-organization.

"These upgrades are intended to make guests feel welcome while also providing a comfortable environment as they search through the donations," said Tech. Sgt. Merrilee Finney, 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron scheduler and The Attic coordinator. "We wanted to make this a place the joint base community can feel proud of."

Servicemembers from all branches of military, regardless of rank or duty status -- active, Guard, Reserve or retired, can come in and take advantage of the items offered here. Finney said more than 100 community members use The Attic on a weekly basis.

The Attic features a supply of clothes and shoes for all ages and sizes as well as military uniforms. The furniture department has a wide range of couches, kitchen tables, dressers, mattresses, desks, end tables and chairs. A food pantry is also available for those in need which is stocked with canned and boxed goods; perishable items are limited, but a shipment of bread arrives every week.

"Everybody needs help at one time or another and this is a great opportunity for those who may be in desperate need for certain items to come and obtain them at no cost," said Finney.

Donations can be made at any time regardless if The Attic is open or closed. Finney said she prefers if the donations are made during operating hours so volunteers are available to assist in the offloading of items, but understands this can't always be the case. A storage shed is located in front of The Attic so donations can be dropped off at anytime.

Donations are what keep the inventory in the store, but it's the volunteers who put the items on the shelves.

"We are constantly in need of volunteers to help out here," said Loveless. "Any amount of time someone is able to spend here goes a long way to help the families in need."

The Attic is located at 3446 Broidy Rd. on McGuire and is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Call 754-8703 for more information on how to volunteer or to donate.