Rehoming used items this summer season

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The summer season is upon us and that means many will be making a permanent change of station move.

Moving can be stressful and some of that stress can be caused by the sheer amount of material possessions someone owns. Fortunately, there are several options on base to donate gently used items that have outgrown their place in your home.

“Malmstrom has so many wonderful places where Airmen and their families can come together as a team and a family to help ease the stressful burden of a PCS,” said Col. Jennifer Reeves, 341st Missile Wing commander.

Entities include the Airman’s Attic, the Malmstrom Spouses’ Club Thrift Store and Cinderella’s Closet.

Additionally, these facilities are operated by un-paid volunteers, both spouses and active duty members.

“Chief Master Sergeant Eryn McElroy and I are so proud of the good work these volunteers do to make life simply better for everyone,” said Reeves. “Without the hard work and support of these spouses, dependents and Airmen, we wouldn’t have the amazing community we have here at Malmstrom.”

“The MSC Thrift Store is a nonprofit organization that provides monetary funds for military dependents’ educational scholarships and community welfare,” said Jennifer Boone, MSC Thrift Store chair member. “This past May, the thrift shop gave $8,500 to the MSC Scholarship banquet.”

“The MSC Thrift Store also gives all (military duty) uniform donations to the Airman’s Attic on the base, supports the Veterans of Foreign Wars and gives donations to Grace Home supporting veterans in transition,” she continued.

The MSC Thrift Store is open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and donation drop-off is available on-site 24/7.

The Cinderella’s Closet is co-located with the thrift store and is open Thursdays 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“The closet’s goal is to provide dresses and men’s attire for various occasions at a low cost,” said Boone. “Active duty and dependents can rent outfits with the only expense being dry-cleaning. There are more than 300 items in a wide range of sizes and outfits available for rent.”

The Airman’s Attic is a place where active-duty members, rank E-6 and below, and their dependents can go to get items including household goods, clothing for men, women and children, military uniform items and other used items. The Airman’s Attic does offer open hours once a month for all to take advantage of, regardless of rank. Visit their Facebook page for open dates.

A similar source available is a loan locker. Items available will be rented per a certain amount of days.

“Items can be checked out for 30 days at a time, up to 45 days,” said Boone. “Any items broken or misplaced are asked to be replaced.”

For more information on how to help or where to donate, visit the unofficial, independent Facebook pages or the organizations above, or email malmstromspousesclub@gmail.com