Broken toasters, lamps, toys, zippers and other household items have a chance for a second act as the ever-popular Repair Cafe returns to Bend this month.

Since 2013, The Environmental Center in Bend has been hosting “repair cafe” events as a way to extend the life of household goods and keep them out of the landfill. At past cafes, repair rate is around 65%.

Volunteers who staff the event do their best to fix your broken item or can offer some DIY instructions to fix items too big to bring to the cafe. Items to bring include clothing, textiles, outdoor gear, electronics, small appliances and other household items.

Families are encouraged to bring children as a way to help them understand the art of repair. These events are free to attend.

The next Repair Cafe will be held at Gear Fix, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend, on Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Interested individuals can RSVP for the event through The Environmental Center website, envirocenter.org.