Do you have something sitting on a shelf that’s broken but you haven’t had the heart to throw it away? If so, the city of Sedona may be able to help. The city will host a free community fix-it clinic on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Sedona Posse Grounds Hub at Posse Grounds Park. The event helps residents learn basic repair skills, save money and keep items out of the landfill. Volunteer fixers will be available to help residents fix broken household items for free.

McKenzie Jones, the city’s sustainability coordinator, said that before working for the city of Sedona, she participated in quarterly community fix-it clinics.

“My favorite part of the event is working with kids at the Take Apart Table, where they disassemble broken electronics and learn how they work,” she said. “Fix-it clinics are held across the world as a solution to keep valuable materials out of the landfill and provide people with the tools to conduct basic repairs.”

The repair coaches enjoy the problem-solving element of fixing different items and helping people get over their fear of basic repairs, she said. 

“Fix-it clinics are a great way to reduce waste, develop repair skills and get to know other community members,” Jones said. 
Fans, toys, bikes, lamps, radios, jewelry, clothing, electronics, small appliances, small engines, small furniture and outdoor gear are some of the items that will be accepted for possible repair.

“If a person can’t wheel or carry the item in, then it is too big for this event,” she said. “Unfortunately, we cannot fix your car or your washing machine at this event.” 

A take-apart table, where children can disassemble irreparable items and learn how they work, will be available. If you are good at soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, woodworking or general tinkering and want to volunteer, contact Kaileigh Walker at 203-5112 or kwalker@sedonaaz.gov.

The Fix-it Clinic is a partnership between the city of Sedona and the Sustainability Alliance. If there is a lot of interest, Jones said the city will consider hosting more than one event per year.

“The city is excited to host our first Fix-it Clinic,” Mayor Sandy Moriarty said. “This event promotes sustainable living as well as forging community connections — two things our community highly values.”