Macerich, the nation’s leading owner, operator and developer of major retail real estate, has announced a series of events and initiatives at its Queens-based shopping centers aimed at providing essential resources—such as backpacks, school supplies and financial support—to the local community.
At The Shops at Atlas Park, located at 8000 Cooper Ave. in Glendale, families can look forward to several community-focused events. On Friday, Aug. 16, from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., the Shops at Atlas Park will partner with the NYPD, Amazon and Roman Empire Logistics to distribute free backpacks and school supplies to students, available while supplies last.
Later in the month, on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 6-8 p.m., the center will host a Taylor Swift Dance Party featuring DJ Selectah Spadez and Host Daniel Garcia, complete with “Swiftie”-inspired trivia, dancing, and more. During the event, backpacks filled with school supplies will be given away, ensuring students are well-prepared for the school year. Additionally, the Shops at Atlas Park will donate $2,500 to Glendale Kiwanis and provide backpacks for their Community Day event in September.
Meanwhile, Queens Center Mall, located at 90-15 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst, will also play an active role in the back-to-school efforts. On Saturday, Aug. 17, from 1-3 p.m., the mall will host a back-to-school celebration featuring free touch-up haircuts from local barbers, a photo booth, cotton candy, hand massages from L’Occitane and a prize wheel from Applebee’s. Commonpoint Queens will be on-site to offer valuable resources to families, and backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. In addition, Queens Center will support Commonpoint Queens with a $2,500 donation to help local families prepare for the upcoming school year.
Dawn Simon, Area Senior Marketing Manager for Macerich, highlighted the significance of community engagement during the back-to-school season. “Macerich is committed to giving back to our local communities, and as the new school year begins, we want to ensure every child is equipped to succeed,” Simon said. “Back-to-school is the perfect time for our centers to connect with shoppers through entertainment, giveaways and community engagement. With our programming and donations, we are confident that our New York centers will play a vital role in this year’s back-to-school preparations.”