Volunteers sought for A&FRC Loan Locker

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Force Support Squadron’s Airman and Family Readiness Center offers newly-assigned or departing active duty and civilian employees a place to borrow basic household items temporarily.

While the A&FRC oversees the program, Kathy Vaillancourt, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant, who administers the Loan Locker, attributes the success of the program to the volunteers who staff it.

“Without the assistance of dedicated volunteers, the Loan Locker would not be sustainable,” she said. “This time of year is particularly challenging as we serve a number of inbound and outbound personnel at Hanscom.”

Among the items offered are sleeping mats, cookware, dishes and small appliances.

“The Loan Locker provides personnel the basic items they need until their household goods arrive,” said Vaillancourt.

The program is part of the A&FRC’s Family Services Program to help members of Team Hanscom.

“Family Services is the volunteer division of the Airman and Family Readiness Center,” said Vaillancourt. “While many of the programs that once fell under the Family Services Program are no longer available, the Loan Locker, Hearts Apart and Layette programs remain.”

Vaillancourt noted that while other Air Force bases have given the responsibility of the Loan Locker to various organizations on base or discontinued the program entirely, Hanscom has managed to keep the program running.

“We are always looking for volunteers who can meet the needs of military members and their families,” she said. “This also provides excellent volunteer opportunities for those interested members of the community.”

The Loan Locker is available for active duty military and civilian employees and their families at Hanscom Air Force Base. It is located in Building 1240 in the Community Support Center.

Personnel not PCSing may also utilize the Loan Locker on an item-available basis.

To learn more about volunteering, or more information on the Loan Locker itself, contact Kathy Vaillancourt at 781-225-2756.