Event allows area residents to bring their broken household items to be fixed, for free

The Repair Clark County program is holding its first in-person event in 840 days.

The Repair Clark County program regularly fixes hundreds of items in the categories of; sewing projects, sharpening dull knives, blades and tools, electronics, small appliances, bicycles, jewelry and household decor. During the pandemic, the program implemented the “Repair Goes Remote” program, to continue fixing. Next week, they are thrilled to be offering their first in-person repair event in over two years. 

“While the remote program has given us some distinct advantages, we certainly miss the social aspect of in-person fixing,” says program coordinator, Terra Heilman. “We’re so happy to be partnering with the Historic Trust to bring back these dynamic events.” 

What: Repair Clark County event, where you can bring your broken household items to be fixed, for free

When: Wed., June 15, 4-6 p.m.

Where: The Artillery Barracks on the Vancouver National Historic Reserve, 600 Hatheway Rd., Vancouver, WA

You can bring your broken household items to the event from 4-6 PM on Wednesday, June 15th and volunteer “fixers” will do their best to send you home with working items, extending the life and preserving the resources embedded in our everyday “stuff.” With repair rates regularly reaching above 85%, the odds are good you’ll go home with working items.

Pretty much anything that is broken can be repaired at the events. “We’ll take a look at just about anything.” says Heilman. “Our only restrictions are gas engines, microwaves and holiday light strings. Otherwise, it’s fair game and we’ll at least take a look and give it our best shot.” Another rule of thumb is to bring items that can easily be carried by one person. Multiple items are welcome, but clients must wait while each item is being looked at and then fill out a new repair ticket for additional items. Within the sharpening category, only items with multiple teeth, such as saw blades and hedge trimmers cannot be sharpened. Virtually all other blades are fair game, including scissors, knives and garden tools. 

Masks will be required indoors and anywhere where social distancing cannot be maintained.  Vaccination is not mandatory but is enthusiastically encouraged. To learn more, see the 2022 schedule of events and pre register items (will save time at the event) visit repairclarkcounty.org

About Columbia Springs: 

​Located on a 100 acre natural area in the City of Vancouver, Columbia Springs is dedicated to providing outdoor recreation and science education close to home. The Repair Clark County program is primarily an “off site” program for the community, offering free fixing events, repair skills workshops and other waste reduction programming throughout Clark County.