Use it. Don't lose it.

[scfr]

In helping my brother reset the time on an inherited cuckoo clock over the weekend, I was reminded how we got that clock up and running. It was an inherited clock that didn't run when he received it, and I couldn't figure out how to fix it. I utilized a free repair service: a local group of volunteers run it, and I just dropped it off at my local library with a form and picked it up when it was fixed. They not only fixed it, they also provided detailed instructions on troubleshooting and resetting the time. It's a fantastic service that allows people to keep using broken (in some cases like ours heirloom) items to keep them out of the landfill, and it's even a way for older folks to teach younger folks some skills. They repair a lot of lamps and sharpen a lot of tools, but they work on many other small items too . . . even mending!

If you don't know if your local area has a program like this (I hear they are growing in popularity), it might be worth doing an online search.