For decades, LARC’s Beads and More store in Lafayette has been Acadiana's headquarters for recycled Mardi Gras beads sold for a cause.
This year, the store's shelves have remained stocked, like always, but without parades, there is an unfortunate difference.
Bead sales are slim because there is no need without parades.
"Since there's no parades we're not having a whole lot of bead sales. also with no parades theres not going to be a lot of bead sales or very little. and we depend on that so our individuals can work year round," says Carthy Guillet, who is the Job Development Manager for LARC.
The individuals who work at LARC need their jobs for income and stability, like anyone else. They also need their jobs for training to go on to future endeavors.
"It's giving them skills that can go into a job out in the community. Stocking shelves, they know how to separate things. Working in a restaurant. Doing many many things. It's a process," says Guillet.
There are a few ways to help this year.
- Bring in beads that you've held onto from years past. This will help keep the workers busy.
- Buy beads ahead of next year's parades, for party favors to hand out at an event you may have or to use as decor.
- Attend a fundraiser on Tuesday, February 16, at Cafe Habana on Bertrand. If you buy a Cuban sandwich, the proceeds will go back to LARC.