Numerous community members donated blood for a good cause on Wednesday. Acadiana Cinemas partnered with The Blood Center to host a blood drive in the community. People donated blood inside the center’s mobile bus, which was stationed at the theater’s parking lot from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In the first hour, 15 people were set to donate blood, said Michael Odom, general manager at Acadiana Cinemas.

Odom said the turnout was larger than they expected.

“I’m fairly positive with the success we had here today that we can partner with the center again to do another drive,” Odom said.

Several theater employees, including Odom, also donated blood.

Kristi Garner-Womack, account representative at The Blood Center, said in a previous story that she’s partnered with the cinema at their other locations in Louisiana to host blood drives. Recently, the center hosted a raffle event at the Picayune location.

“The cinema has worked with us in the past to make sure we have blood at our hospitals during times of need,” Womack said.

Logan Lisenbea, a senior at Pearl River Central High School, was among one of the first 20 donors who received a free movie ticket. Lisenbea said he’s donated blood in the past.

“I do this because there’s other people who need blood and you can really save lives with this,” Lisenbea said.

Emily Loveless was also among the first 20 donors.

“I feel like I’m doing something helpful when I donate blood,” Loveless said.

During the summer months, hospitals typically experience a shortage of blood donations combined with an increase in demand, so it’s important for people to donate when they can, Womack said in a previous story.

Anyone interested in donating blood can visit the local Blood Center located at 318 Memorial Blvd. For more information, call office staff (601) 798-9693.