In partnership with several island agencies, Vashon Youth and Family Services (VYFS) will host its first ever Wellness Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Methodist church.

The free event will feature blood pressure checks, foot care, acupuncture, haircuts, flu shots, massages, and arts and crafts. Other local service organizations will be on hand to speak to the public about their programs as well.

“Our goal is to work with people on the island who need a shot and need to get checked out and to provide for them some of the things that they don’t normally get,” said Charlotte Tiencken, fundraising and community engagement manager for VYFS. Tiencken said that some of the most basic measures of health care are often the most overlooked for many islanders, such as low-income people and the elderly, who may be unable to make time for such care or leave their homes with ease.

Staff considered what essential services to offer at the event, approaching organizations involved such as Granny’s Attic, the Vashon Pharmacy and Vashon Senior Center to help sponsor it. Tiencken said it was her personal goal to have flu shots available to those who would like one; she said that Vashon pharmacist Tyler Young was immediately in support of the proposal. A certified pharmacist will be at the Methodist church on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. administering free flu shots.

“We’d love to do this twice a year,” said Tiencken. “We’re really hoping that we generate enough interest so people will know about it.”

She added that VYFS staff and volunteers will prepare vegetable soup for lunch, which will be available to those who attend.

For more information, call VYFS at 206-463-5511 or visit their website, vyfs.org.