MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Finding a microwave or other household goods to borrow during a move is as easy as finding the new location of Lending Locker Services.
A newly-combined office, the Family Member Employment Assistance Program and Relocation Services, now manages the Lending Locker. The office handles resume workshops and assists service members as they permanently change stations. The office recently moved into building 579, along Reed Road and near The Officers’ Club, with the Lending Locker in the same location.
“Even though we’ve moved, an appointment is still required to use the Lending Locker,” said Marie Calvo, manager of FMEAPRS at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. “We aren’t (at the Lending Locker) all the time. We also run other programs including the New Arrivals Orientation, PCS and Moving Workshops and other classes. We’re servicing our community, who are the people living and working on our base.”
The new office also no longer has funds to replenish items in the Lending Locker, and Calvo said patrons must handle borrowed goods with extra care.
As long as Lending Locker items are in good condition, the FMEAPRS office will be able to loan out items to ease the stress of moving.
“Many times people may not realize we have basic useful items that can help reduce the costs for buying items out of pocket,” Calvo said. “Using the locker can cut back on having to buy doubles for appliances and needing to go out to eat.”
In the last month, 30 patrons have borrowed items. The FMEAPRS will not be able to restock their inventory, said Linda Majors, office automation clerk for FMEAPRS.
“When things start getting worn down, we can’t use them anymore for safety or health reasons,” she said. “Those items will need to be (disposed of), and we’ll have less of them because of being unable to purchase a replacement.”
To use the Lending Locker, a service member or family member needs to call the office to make an appointment and bring their PCS orders. Only those who are moving inbound, outbound or the newly married moving into a shared home are eligible.
Service members who live at MCB Hawaii but work at another military installation may need to see that installation’s relocation services office. If in doubt, Calvo said people are welcome to call the FMEAPRS office for guidance.
“We have basic appliances, kitchen utensils, TVs and DVD players, but these items are only available as long as they are taken care of,” Majors said. “We still have working coffee makers, toasters and rice cookers too.”
The Lending Locker’s current inventory still features highly requested items, including highchairs and cribs. Calvo said patrons should be aware their service is different from the Family Housing Office’s furniture loan program, and they should contact the other office to borrow furniture.
Making an appointment early can reduce wait time. Calvo said same-day appointments may not be available, but having a working idea of what items to request can streamline the process. Calvo suggests being prepared to self-transport borrowed items.
“No delivery service is available,” Calvo said. “Hospitality kits can be heavy, so we advise patrons who want to use the Lending Locker to get help loading or unloading items into their car.”
To make an appointment, call 257-8534 or visit mccshawaii.com/rap/. Appointments are available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the office is closed on holidays.