Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA) do bike repairs. Photo courtesy of Ani Durst

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The West Sacramento Repair Café has a new location at Holy Cross Parish: 1321 Anna St., West Sacramento.

If you haven’t been to one, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get several different items repaired on the spot, such as household goods, small appliances, clothing, jewelry, bicycles and more according to participants. Participants added that it’s a free service because of a dedicated group of volunteers from the West Sacramento community. Several of the volunteers are bilingual, making it easier to assist residents with their requests. The café is open to everyone, with no income restrictions.

According to Ani Durst, a member of the Repair Café’s organizing team, the café celebrated its first anniversary in June and is the only one of its kind in West Sacramento. The concept began overseas in Europe in 2009, which boomed and now there are 3,000 repair cafes in Europe, and 300 in the United States. The organizing team also consists of T. Young and A. Burkner.

“It creates a stronger community,” Durst said.

The café is limited to two items per person so more residents can be helped each month. This is community service at its best through one-on-one contact, according to a resident who did not want to be named.

Volunteers Peter and Bob repair a clock. Photo courtesy of Ani Durst

For example, at one event, a resident named Shu was able to have his trousers lengthened and re-hemmed. Volunteers Felipe and Maricela restrung beaded necklaces and replaced broken clasps.

“It’s a win-win situation and everyone leaves with a smile on their face, having made a new personal connection through help given, and help received,” said the resident.

The Repair Café operates on the last Saturday of every month.

“Aren’t we lucky that it’s not just a one-time event? What a benefit to the community, neighbors helping neighbors just because they can,” the resident added.

Volunteer Elena fills out a work order for a repair. Photo courtesy of Ani Durst

If you know family members, friends and/or work or school acquaintances who could benefit from the repairs or who wants to learn or teach repair, tell them about the community’s next Repair Café event. It will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 28 at the Holy Cross Parish multipurpose room. Enter on Todhunter and follow the signs. You can also find a flier on the City of West Sacramento events calendar at www.cityofwestsacramento.org/government/city-calendar.

“Purpose and service are key to well-being. It actually feels good to do good” is a quote the Repair Café always has on the door, according to Durst.

For more information, message the Repairs Café at 916-245-0338.