Queens Center Mall in Elmhurst is hosting a pop-up activation for The Strangers Project, a community-driven storytelling initiative, now through Monday, Nov. 4.
Located on Level 3 near Champs and Auntie Anne’s, the project invites visitors to anonymously share personal stories and read those contributed by others.
The Strangers Project, founded by Brandon Doman, has collected over 90,000 stories from individuals across the U.S., all shared in person during public interactions. The initiative fosters connection through handwritten stories, offering a glimpse into the lives of people from all walks of life.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to create a community space that welcomes and engages our local neighborhoods, we are thrilled to host The Strangers Project at Queens Center,” said Kelly Cefai, senior marketing manager of the mall. “This activation gives locals a unique way to connect with one another through storytelling.”
Visitors can engage with the project by reading stories on a dedicated community wall. Story collection events are set for Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 3, offering mall-goers the opportunity to share their own experiences.
“We are excited to bring The Strangers Project to Queens Center for the first time. Queens is one of the most diverse places in the world, and we look forward to inviting people from all walks of life to share their stories,” Doman said. “This project is all about connection, and there’s something truly meaningful about doing that in a place where so many different experiences intersect.”
In addition to the pop-up, Queens Center Mall will host a job fair on Oct. 24 from noon to 5 p.m. and a Halloween/Día de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 30 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
H&M will also be re-opening at the mall on Oct. 24 in a brand-new 20,000-square-foot location. After closing in 2020, the store is making its return with a wide range of clothing for men, women, and children, including the H&M Kids collection for newborns to 14-year-olds. To celebrate the grand opening, shoppers can look forward to giveaways, a live DJ, and a themed photo opportunity.
For more details on upcoming events, visit Queens Center Mall’s website.
