BX donations bring joy to Dyess families

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Dyess Base Exchange recently donated more than $10,000 worth of clothing, towels and bathroom accessories to the Airman's Attic. 

"All of the things donated to the Airman's Attic were new," said Ron Barfield, Dyess' BX general manager. "If the BX isn't able to sell an item, we often donate it to either the chapel or the Airman's Attic. In this case some of the items had gotten a little wet, and we were unable to sell them." 

The Airman's Attic couldn't have been happier to receive the donated items.
"The items were a huge hit with our customers," said Dee Dee Orsak, Family Services coordinator. "Because the Airman's Attic is primarily a place to donate and receive used items, anytime something that has never been used comes in the families are generally pretty excited about it." 

One small example of how a new item could brighten an Airman's day was as simple as a bathroom set. 

"Many of the families that came in who saw these bathroom sets were stunned, saying they had seen them on display in the store but just weren't able to afford the whole set at the time," Ms. Orsak said. "It really shows people that the BX isn't just about selling things." 

BX officials said, though, donating is just part of their mission. 

"This is just another way for us to give back to our community," Mr. Barfield said. "Anytime we can find a way to help our servicemembers' families, we do." 

The items given to the Airman's Attic by the BX were picked up by the customers fairly quickly, but the attic always has items for Airmen to come by and use, Ms. Orsak said. 

The Airman's Attic is open from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays for active duty members only, and is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays for both active duty and dependents. They accept donations any day of the week, and they can be dropped off on the loading dock outside of the building at any time of the day. 

For more information about the Airman's Attic, call Ms. Orsak at 696-2409.