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Date: 12/3/2021
LONGMEADOW – The Longmeadow Shops will be a one-stop-shop for holiday cheer on Dec. 5. The plaza, at 690 Bliss Rd., has partnered with Toys For Tots, a non-profit organization that collects new, unwrapped toys to distribute to less fortunate children in over 800 communities across the country.
“The Shops reached out to Toys for Tots about becoming a drop location this year,” said Melissa Pevay, marketing manager for the Longmeadow Shops. “Once we were approved as a drop location, nine tenants at the shops volunteered to have a bin at their location. We have had stores individually participate in the past. This is the first time the center has participated as a whole and we are excited to see how the community supports the Toys for Tots organization.”
The Longmeadow Shops has organized a full day of holiday events, many of which will function as toy drop-off opportunities.
Teddy Bear Fun Run
Fleet feet is partnering with Karhu Shoes to host a Teddy Bear Fun Run at 10:30 a.m.
“We are asking that participants bring a new unwrapped toy as their registration fee for Toys for Tots” Pevay said.
The short run will last until 11 a.m. To sign up for the run, participants can visit https://www.fleetfeet.com/s/longmeadow/training. More information is available at TheLongmeadowShops.com or FleetFeetLongmeadow.com.
Winter’s Farmer’s Market and Holiday Stroll
People can shop for seasonal décor and winter items at the Winter’s Farmer’s Market and Holiday Stroll. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. market stalls will offer seasonal products, such as, wreaths, kissing balls, local milk, cheeses, honey, baked goods.
“The Winter Farmers Market is organized by the same group that organizes the Thursday afternoon Longmeadow Shops Farmers Market. This year we also invited the Blooms Flower Truck. Blooms will have seasonal arrangements, plants and hostess gifts,” Pevay said.
Letters to Santa
A mailbox has been set up near Delaney’s Market Longmeadow for letter to Santa. Dec. 5 is the last day for the letters to be dropped off. The Longmeadow Shops website assures children, “The elves at The Longmeadow Shops will make sure that letters placed in the mailbox will make it to the North Pole. Santa receives so many letters that he may not have time to send a reply to every child, but he is looking forward to reading them.”
Carolers
Holiday carols will be sung throughout the afternoon. The Longmeadow & East Longmeadow Girl Scouts will be providing music from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by East Longmeadow High School carolers from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Longmeadow High School singers from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Beauty and the Beast
Meet & Greet
The Longmeadow Shops is offering a Meet & Greet with Belle & The Beast, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Brenda Cuoco & Associates Real Estate Brokerage Longmeadow Shops location. The event is free, but in lieu of an event fee, guests are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
“We are expecting close to 100 people,” said Brenda Cuoco. “They will be signing autographs. Kids can get pictures. We have done many community events such the Mayflower Marathon, Truck or Treats as well as Longmeadow Shops has done similar events in the past very similar to this that was a hit!”
Menorah Lighting
Celebrating the last night of Hanukkah, Rabbi Wolff of Congregation B’Nai Torah will be hosting a menorah lighting at 6 p.m. Wolff has organized several Hanukkah events throughout the Pioneer Valley and, “the Menorah lighting on Dec. 5 is the last event in their string of Hanukkah events.” Pevay said.
“For many years, The Longmeadow Shops has had carolers at the center during the holiday season, same with the Menorah lighting. Having one festive day with the Farmers Market, caroling, family activities like character meet and greets, makes for a fun day. It encourages local shopping and gets everyone in the spirit.”
For more information about Toys For Tots, visit https://www.toysfortots.org.