Fix-It Fair
Free Community Repair Event

Fix-It Fair is a partnership between Doña Ana Communities United, Cruces Creatives, and Plugged In for Good. Bringing together community organizing, skilled fixers, and resources to create free repair events for our neighbors.

Upcoming fix-it fairs

• Saturday March 28th, 2026 at Alameda Elementary Cafeteria
• Saturday May 2nd, 2026 at Cruces Creatives

What are Fix-it fairs?

Fix-It Fairs are free community gatherings where neighbors help neighbors bring broken items back to life. We bring together skilled volunteers who love to fix things with community members who have items that need repair. Whether it’s a lamp that won’t turn on, jeans with a torn seam, or a vacuum that’s lost its suction, our volunteer fixers will work with you to diagnose the problem and attempt repairs right there on the spot.

These events are all about sharing knowledge, not just fixing stuff. Our fixers will walk you through what they’re doing, teaching you skills you can use next time something breaks. It’s hands-on learning in the best way possible – with real items that matter to you, surrounded by neighbors who genuinely want to help.

Fix-It Fairs extend the spirit of reciprocity beyond our Mesilla Valley Timebank. You don’t need to be a timebank member to participate – everyone in Doña Ana County is welcome. We’re building a culture where we help each other, learn from each other, and keep valuable items out of the landfill together.

Why Repair?

Because our community is full of knowledge and skills worth sharing. When we repair instead of replace, we’re not just fixing objects – we’re strengthening the connections between neighbors. Every Fix-It Fair is a chance to meet someone new, learn something you didn’t know, and contribute to a community that values mutual support.

Because throwing things away doesn’t make them disappear. When we extend the life of our belongings through repair, we’re reducing waste, conserving resources, and making choices that honor our environment. Repair is a direct action we can take together to build a more sustainable future for Doña Ana County.

Because saving money shouldn’t mean going without. Many items just need a simple fix to work like new again. Learning to repair – or knowing someone in your community who can help – means you can keep using things you already own instead of spending money on replacements.

Because these skills deserve to be passed on. Some of our fixers learned their craft from parents or grandparents. Others taught themselves through years of tinkering. Either way, Fix-It Fairs create space for this knowledge to flow between generations and across our community. When we repair together, we’re preserving valuable skills that might otherwise be lost.

Because we’re building the kind of community we want to live in. One where people help each other out. Where your broken toaster is a reason to meet your neighbor, not a reason to buy a new one. Where we recognize that we’re all better off when we support each other and work together.

That’s what reciprocity looks like in action.

What to Bring

Bring items that need repair, cleaning, or mending. We welcome:

• Clothes – torn jeans, loose buttons, broken zippers, hems that need fixing
• Jewelry – broken clasps, tangled chains, missing stones
• Bicycles – minor repairs like flat tires, brake adjustments, chain issues
• Appliances – small household items like toasters, irons, blenders, lamps
• Costumes – yes, costumes! This is a perfect opportunity to work on outfits for upcoming events
• Home decor – picture frames, vases, decorative items
• Furniture – small pieces that need tightening, re-gluing, or minor fixes
• And more! If you can carry it in, we’ll do our best to help fix it

Special Textile Mending Station

The Really Really Free Market will be on-site, so this is your chance to grab garments and get them altered or mended to fit you perfectly! Our skilled sewers can help with:

• Taking in or letting out seams
• Hemming pants or skirts to the right length
• Adjusting sleeves or shoulders
• Making thrifted finds fit like they were made for you

Note: If there’s a long line at the textile station, we ask that you limit mending to two textile items per person so everyone gets a chance.

PFLAG Pet Fashion Show Outfits

Planning to participate in PFLAG Las Cruces’ Pet Fashion Show competition? This is the perfect time and place to work on your pet and owner matching outfits! Bring your costume pieces and our creative fixers can help you:

• Hem, adjust, or embellish your outfit
• Repair or modify your pet’s costume
• Add finishing touches to make your look competition-ready

Before You Come

• Clean your items – our fixers appreciate working on clean stuff!
• Bring any instructions or manuals if you have them

You must be able to carry your items in and out – no oversized furniture or appliances, please.

What NOT to Bring

Some items are beyond what we can safely or effectively repair at Fix-It Fairs. Please do not bring:

• TVs, microwaves, or computers – these require specialized repair
• Gasoline engines – lawnmowers, weed whackers, chainsaws, etc.
• Large appliances – refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers
• Items leaking fluids – oil, coolant, or other liquids
• Grimy, dirty, or hazardous items – please clean items before bringing them
• Items with strong odors
• Anything filled with oil or gas

Volunteer with Us!

Fix-It Fairs only happen because of neighbors like you who are willing to share their time, skills, and enthusiasm. We’re looking for every type of volunteer to help make these events successful and welcoming for everyone.

We Need:

• Fixers – Do you know your way around a sewing machine, a soldering iron, or a toolbox? Can you diagnose what’s wrong with a lamp or adjust bicycle brakes? Share your repair skills with your neighbors!
• Textile Menders – Skilled with needle and thread? Help folks alter Really Really Free Market finds to fit perfectly or mend beloved clothing.
• Greeters & Check-In Volunteers – Welcome people, help them sign in, and guide them to the right repair station.
• Traffic Flow Helpers – Keep things moving smoothly and help people find what they need.
• Setup & Cleanup Crew – Help us get ready before the event and put things back in order afterward.
• Photographers – Capture the magic of neighbors helping neighbors!
• General Support – Answer questions, lend a hand wherever needed, and help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Ready to Join Us?

Email Paty at paty@dacommunitiesunited.org or fill out the volunteer form below.

Whether you’re a skilled fixer or just want to help out, we’d love to have you as part of our Fix-It Fair team. Together, we’re building a culture of repair, reciprocity, and community connection in Doña Ana County.