The first-ever Teddy Bear Fix-It Clinic in the City of Falls Church was held at Mr. Brown’s Park, honoring the legacy of Brown’s Hardware and supporting the city’s Community Vision for 2040. Organized by The Learning Quest and The Toy Nest — the city’s beloved toy library and pre-loved — the event took place as part of Earth Day celebrations.
The Toy Nest is one of only three full-time toy libraries in the United States and was recognized this year as Small Business of the Year by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. In their words, "We can’t solve the world’s problems, but we can move the needle in the right direction." And indeed, at this event, the needle literally moved — as families showed up, rain forecast and all, bringing their stuffed animal "patients" for repairs.
Volunteer "doctors" — a mix of senior citizens and students from Years 7 and 8 — greeted each child and patient, asking "admission questions" and conducting triage before beginning treatment. Questions such as “critical injury?”, “lost his eye and nose?”, and “lost his arm?” could be heard as each beloved stuffed animal was carefully examined. Instrument trays were set with thread, cloth, wool, buttons, and crochet needles, ready for the delicate work.
Fully aware that stuffed animals, largely made of textiles, buttons, beads, and cotton, can take generations to decompose in landfills. Some patients brought in for treatment had originally come from the Clock Tower Thrift Shop, which accepts community donations to benefit the Northern Virginia Family Service. After their recovery, these toys will return to the shop for a second — or even third — life.
The event served not only as a heartfelt moment of restoration, as The Toy Nest’s founder and owner, Lisa Bourven brought her childhood bear, made by her grandma and brought all the way from Texas for much tender loving care. A few stitches went a long way — preserving memories, saving stuffed companions for another generation, and bringing some owners to tears with the miraculous recoveries.
The event was also a proof of concept: The Learning Quest now plans to expand the initiative, holding more Fix-It Clinics or Repair Cafes in the Little City to match the community’s needs. The creation of a Tool Lending Library, as part of a vision for a larger learning ecosystem for the city, is also in their wish list!.
While volunteers stitched and mended, families mingled, children made new friends, and a celebratory bell was rung each time a "patient" was discharged and ready to return to play.
The Teddy Bear Fix-It Clinic proved that small acts of care can ripple outwards — keeping cherished toys out of landfills and keeping love alive for years to come.
Shall we hold another one?
