SHREVEPORT, La.— LifeShare Blood Center is marking the start of Mardi Gras season with its annual King Cake Promotion, offering donors a free Lilah’s Bakery king cake and a limited-edition Mardi Gras donor shirt for donations made at the Shreveport or Bossier City centers on Jan. 22 or 23.
In addition to the giveaway, donors with Type O blood who give at a mobile drive during the promotion will receive a $25 gift card. The event, one of LifeShare’s most popular annual drives, aims to strengthen the local blood supply while celebrating community tradition.
This year’s promotion includes a partnership with the Krewe of Demeter, which has issued a challenge to other Mardi Gras krewes to donate blood and compete for the “Spirit of Giving Award.” The award will recognize the group with the highest number of participating donors.
“The Krewe of Demeter proudly challenges all krewes and the public to join us in making a life-saving impact,” said John McCorkle, 2026 King of the Krewe of Demeter. “This is our opportunity to show that Mardi Gras is about more than celebration—it’s about heart, unity, and service.”
Mandi Johnson, director of community engagement for LifeShare, said the campaign reflects the spirit of the season. “Mardi Gras is about community, celebration, and coming together—and that’s exactly what our donors do every day,” she said. “With each donation, our donors allow others to live life to the fullest, and that is definitely worth celebrating.”
The promotion is available at all LifeShare donor centers, excluding Baton Rouge, and only for in-center donations. Centers will operate extended hours during the two-day event. More information and appointment scheduling are available at www.lifeshare.org/promos or by calling 800-256-5433.