LARC Seeks Donations for Mardi Gras Bead Recycling Program

Nonprofit collects, cleans, and resells parade beads to support programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Now that Mardi Gras season has ended across Acadiana, LARC is asking residents to donate their leftover parade beads instead of throwing them away. LARC has set up donation boxes at various locations, including the Lafayette Parish Library, where the beads are collected, cleaned, sorted, and packaged for resale through LARC's Mardi Gras Bead Store. The proceeds from bead sales support LARC's programs and services for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Why it matters

LARC's bead recycling program provides meaningful work opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, aligning with the nonprofit's mission to support and empower this community. By donating their unused Mardi Gras beads, residents can contribute to a worthy cause and help reduce waste.

The details

LARC relies on donation bins placed throughout the community rather than collecting beads directly from streets or parade routes. The drop-off bins will remain available through the end of February before being collected. After the beads are processed, they are sold through LARC's Mardi Gras Bead Store, with the proceeds supporting the nonprofit's programs and services.

  • Mardi Gras season has just ended across Acadiana.
  • Donation bins will be available through the end of February 2026.

The players

LARC

A nonprofit organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Lafayette, Louisiana area.

Dana Gradney

A representative from LARC who oversees the bead recycling program.

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What they’re saying

“Our bead drive is pretty much year-round. We're always accepting beads from the public, and what we do is clean or sanitize, sort and package those beads that we receive.”

— Dana Gradney, LARC representative (KLFY)

“It is our mission to support those with intellectual disabilities so that they can enjoy going out into the community, also having gainful employment.”

— Dana Gradney, LARC representative (KLFY)

What’s next

The donation bins will be collected at the end of February 2026, after which LARC will begin the process of cleaning, sorting, and reselling the donated beads.

The takeaway

LARC's bead recycling program provides a sustainable solution for Mardi Gras revelers to dispose of their leftover parade beads, while also creating meaningful work opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Lafayette community.