The Sunbeam T-35 toaster has served up breakfast for Laura since her grandfather dug it out of the garbage years ago. If Craig has his way, it will continue to be a reliable part of her mornings for years to come.

When the toaster stopped working last year, Laura started looking for someone to fix it. That’s how it ended up at Minnetonka’s Repair Depot.

The depot opens on Tuesday afternoons once a month at the senior center inside the Minnetonka Community Center. A team of experienced volunteers put their repair skills to work. They look at everything, from broken household appliances to favorite articles of clothing that just need a little love and attention from a sewing machine.

Minnetonka’s depot has helped saved several items from the trash can. That’s the goal of the volunteers and the customers who often work together to help. For example, there were many lamps in line at the February session. While some were easily repaired, a few could not be saved.

Laura considers her toaster a gem worth her time and energy. The T-35 became popular in the 50s and remains a favorite because of its magic-like automation. There are no levers to push. The weight of the bread lowers the carriage automatically and serves up a level consistency many modern digital toasters struggle to match.

Thanks to the Minnetonka Repair Depot, it will continue to deliver a perfect piece of toast.

• 1–4 p.m. Fourth Tuesday of the month
• Minnetonka Community Center
• Two item limit