Don't toss it. Fix it! Repair Café returns

Got a toaster that won’t toast, a bike with a flat, or a favorite sweater with a tear? Bring them to the Repair Café!  

This free community event returns to the Student Innovation Center on Wednesday September 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Focused on keeping your belongings in use and out of the landfill, the event brings together people who can make repairs with those that need them. 

Skilled volunteers will be on hand to assess and mend a wide variety of items completely free of charge. Eligible items include: 

• Bikes and Skateboards 
• Jewelry and Accessories 
• Clothing and Mending 
• Small Appliances 
• Computers and Laptops 

How it works

Simply show up with your broken item! While not required, if you know what parts and materials your item needs, then please bring them. Otherwise, volunteers will complete repairs with the best materials available on-site. 

Learn to DIY

New this year are free tutorials focused on common clothing and textile repairs: hemming, repairing holes, and altering fit. Check the event webpage to learn when each is being offered!

Put your skills to use

Have a knack for fixing things? Flex your repair skills, share your knowledge, and give back to the community by volunteering for a shift. Sign up is easy! Students, staff, and faculty are all welcome.

About the event

Repair Café aims to reduce waste, share tools and resources, teach basic maintenance, and help build self-reliance skills in our community. Event partners include the University Library, Student Innovation Center, Recreation services, Live Green, and Seeds of Sustainability. Questions about event, including volunteering, can be directed to sictrprograms@iastate.edu.