WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — Andrew Groothuis loves bringing old things back to life.

“I’m right now sharpening someone's mother’s pair of scissors,” Groothuis said.

What You Need To Know

  • The Repair Hub opens at the public library in Watauga County

  • Volunteers fix as many things as possible to keep them out of the landfill

  • They fix everything from jewelry to appliances

It’s a skill he learned from his grandfather, which is why he started the Repair Hub in Watauga County. It’s a group of volunteers working to keep items out of the landfill.

“Originally Repair Cafe started in Australia, but there has always been a repair culture in America. In Boone, we have a very limited amount of places to put things, and trash is one of them. I think they ship everything off the mountain in a tractor-trailer,” Groothuis said.

The group opens shop in Watauga County library every other month.

“Here is sharpening. This is woodworking, electrical repair, sewing and jewelry,” Groothuis said.

They fix everything they can because he says a lot of items just need a little bit of love.

“A lot of appliances can get fixed with just minimal repair,” Groothuis said.“A lot of appliances can get fixed with just minimal repair,” Groothuis said.

That is why people like Lynette Walker bring their items. She brought jewelry.

“I lost movement with my thumb and I can't get the jump rings on anymore,” Walker said.

They had coats and bubble machines, coffee makers, anything you can think of. It's something Groothuis hopes they can do more of in the future.

“We always are looking for more volunteers who know how to do something,” Groothuis said.