The holidays are a time of year when we often feel more generous and connected to our communities. If you’re looking for meaningful and sustainable ways to give back this season, consider repairing broken items, then donating them, rather than discarding them. Here are a few ways you can start a new tradition this year.
Repair and rehome
Fixing something for a loved one can be a meaningful gift. It might be a cherished heirloom or a well-used household item. If you're decluttering, consider repairing broken items instead of tossing them, then donate them. Your trash may be someone else’s treasure.
As you unpack holiday decorations, take time to fix broken ones. If you have holiday-themed items you no longer want, donate or share them with neighbors through Facebook Buy Nothing groups.
Here are some ideas for items you could repair and donate:
- Heirlooms or vintage items like quilts, radios or vintage toys
- Everyday items like coffee machines or vacuum cleaners
- Holiday decorations that no longer work or move properly
Make it a family tradition
Consider making repairing and donating items a new family tradition! Fix things like toys and kids clothes and donate them if they’re no longer needed. Get your kids involved by having them choose items to give away such as things they’ve outgrown or no longer use and help clean or fix them. Talk about how repairing instead of throwing away helps others and reduces waste.
Here are some family-friendly ideas:
- Let kids pick toys, games, or sports gear to donate
- Work together to clean or repair items
- Discuss how repaired items can help others
- Try an advent-style countdown by collecting one item per day to donate
Free repair assistance
For free help fixing your broken items, come to a monthly Hennepin County Fix-It Clinic and work with friendly, knowledgeable volunteers. The whole family is welcome – kids often love being involved in repair.
You’ll learn new skills and have fun in the process, and if you fix your item, you can donate it rather than throwing it away. Small actions such as these can make a big difference to other families this season.
For more on what to expect, read What's a Fix-It Clinic experience like?
How to donate
There are many opportunities to donate around the holidays. For example, there are winter clothing drives where coats, hats, socks, underwear, sweatshirts and hoodies, and boots are all needed. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and non-profits such as Sharing and Caring Hands and Joseph’s Coat hold donation drives.
Toy drives such as Twin Cities Toy Drive and Toys for Tots accept gently used or new toys, puzzles or games with all their pieces, books, and more. Some programs let you adopt a family and choose items from their holiday wish list.
Donation tips
Before donating, make sure items are clean, safe, and in good condition. Ask yourself: Would I give this to a friend or family member? A little effort can go a long way - sew on a button, patch a hole, add new batteries, or test electronics to make sure they work.
Here are some quick tips:
- Clean and inspect items before donating
- Repair clothing with help from Fix-It Clinic sewing volunteers
- Fix furniture to ensure it’s safe and sturdy
- Test electronics and electrical items, or bring them to a Fix-It Clinic
Consider donating year-round
How can you make donating a habit and continue giving throughout the year? Bridging, Arc’s Value Village, Goodwill and Salvation Army are some of the big reuse organizations, but there are many smaller ones that can use your donated items, so look for one near you. Find more options in the Choose to Reuse directory.
Giving your time
Donating your time may be the most valuable gift of all. Find an organization you believe in or something you enjoy and start volunteering. If you volunteer with a family member or friend, it’s a chance to spend time together while doing something meaningful.
Repairing and donating your items can be a fun and empowering way to give back this holiday season and throughout the year. Visit a Fix-It Clinic and learn to repair your broken stuff and keep useable items out of the trash.
