LONGMEADOW – In just a few weeks, The Longmeadow Shops will be hosting their first–ever “Stroll the Shops” event, welcoming the community to take advantage of Baystate Health Urgent Care’s facilities, to drop off clothing to Dress for Success, to donate blood at Baystate Health’s Bloodmobile and of course, shop at the shops.

The family–friendly event will take place on Oct. 27, with activities for children taking place form 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marketing Manager for The Longmeadow Shops, Melissa Pevay, states that the hope is that the Shops will be more involved in the community, both the Longmeadow community and the communities that surround the town.

“The idea came about when Baystate Health Urgent Care opened at The Shops over the summer. The staff and administrators mentioned wanting to have a community open house in the fall,” Pevay explained. “We worked together to plan this event.”

Pevay shared that the new Urgent Care will host an open house and flu shot clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary, and she stated it’s a great opportunity for the public to get their flu shot for the season. The flu shot is covered by most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid plans, according to Pevay. Additionally, she noted that Urgent Care will only be open for flu shots and facility tours; patients will not be seen for any other circumstance during those four hours.

Inviting Dress for Success and the Baystate Health Bloodmobile felt like a “natural fit,” Pevay said. Individuals who drop off a donation for Dress for Success that day will receive a gift bag from the Longmeadow Shops with samples from Oksana Salon & Spa and coupons from In Chic Shoenique, J. Jill and Ann Taylor.

“They accept donations of gently used women’s business appropriate clothing, shoes and accessories,” Pevay said.

To donate to Dress for Success, bring these items to the Oct. 27 event between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The organization will be set up in the space next to Talbot’s.

For those who go to the event to donate blood at the Baystate Bloodmobile, donors will receive a gift card and coupon to Delaney’s Market, as well as an entry to win a four–pack of tickets to a Springfield Thunderbirds game. Pevay reminded Reminder Publishing that 100 percent of blood donated at Baystate Health Blood Drives stays local. People who want to donate may set up an appointment by calling 794-4600. Walk–ins are also welcome.

For the children who may be joining their parents at the event, Pevay stated from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. the Longmeadow Fire Department will be onsite with a truck for kids to look at. Baystate Health will be hosting a teddy bear clinic, and the Shop’s will have a balloon artist on site and Boomer from the Springfield Thunderbirds for a meet and greet.

All of The Longmeadow Shops stores will be open and taking part of this event. Francesca’s has recently had a total store remodel, Pevay shared, and Talbot’s will be celebrating their one–year anniversary at this location with a friends and family sale.

Looking forward a few months, mark your calendars because The Shops are planning their “Holiday Stroll” for Dec. 15. The shops have invited chorus groups from both the Longmeadow and East Longmeadow High Schools as well as a professional group of Victorian Carolers. Additionally, groups from both schools will be staffing a gift wrapping station inside the J. Crew building as a fundraiser.

Information about the Oct. 27 event and daily happenings of The Longmeadow Shops can be found on their Facebook or Instagram pages. Later this year, The Shops will be launching their website. By December, thelongmeadowshops.com will be up and running. The Longmeadow Shops are located at 690 Bliss Rd. in Longmeadow.