Have beads to spare?
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 3, 1999
DEBORAH CORRAO / L’Observateur / March 3, 1999
The Carnival season may be over, but one local group is still looking for beads.
The St. John Association for Retarded Citizens Work/Training Center isaccepting donations of old Mardi Gras beads, stuffed animals and other trinkets.
Eight of the approximately 45 adult clients (ages 22 and over) at the center sort and package the beads by length and color to sell to float riders for next Mardi Gras.
The philosophy of ARC is that every individual with mental retardation should receive services to help that individual develop to his or her maximum potential as a contributing member of society.
Clients who sort and pack beads are paid for each pack of beads they produce. This provides a way for these adults who would otherwise haveno way of earning an income to become productive members of society.
Instructors say they need as many beads as possible to keep their clients working and to meet the demands of customers.
“We had to turn buyers away this year because we didn’t get enough donations last year,” said instructor Darlene Cambre-Sauerwin.
Other clients are involved in enterprises like preparing mailouts and distributing flyers for businesses, providing janitorial services for churches and businesses and crushing and recycling cans to earn money.
The St. John Association for Retarded Citizens is a private non-profitcorporation affiliated with the National ARC. It is funded by the UnitedWay, civic organizations, individuals and fund-raisers. The Work/TrainingCenter is located at 101 Bamboo Road in LaPlace.
The ARC Work/Training Center will take donations of beads all year long.
You can drop off the beads at the center during business hours Monday- Friday, 8 a.m – 3 p.m. or, for more information, call the center at 652-8003.
The Work/Training Center will also accept donations of aluminum cans and craft supplies.
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