Volunteers will pop open trunks and replace broken brake lights at no charge this weekend.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia's parking lot, at 2615 Shepard Blvd. Participants can have faulty brake lights replaced at no cost and receive free clothing, food staples and household items collected by volunteers and community members.

Rikki Burch, a volunteer for the event, said the event aims to help drivers avoid tickets for broken brake lights.

A defective equipment ticket in Columbia costs at least $50, according to the 2025 Municipal Court Fine Schedule. If the fine goes unpaid it could lead to more serious penalties. For lower-income residents, Burch said the ticket costs can create financial strain.

“A ticket for someth

See Full Page