Bikes for Books
Read and Ride
The “Bikes for Books” program allows IMCAP to work with our Illinois Masonic Lodges of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, A.F. & A.M. to promote academic success through a positive recognition reading program. The program is simple, each time a child reads a book, their name will go into a drawing towards winning a bike.
How it Works:
The Lodge works with the School in offering “Bikes for Books” reading program. IMCAP will provide all the needed program materials and reimburse the Lodge for the bike(s) purchased. The Lodge will purchase the bike and the safety helmet.
Program Requirements:
Only Illinois Masonic Lodges of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, A.F. & A.M. can apply for the “Bikes for Books” Program.
Schools must be located in Illinois to participate including public, parochial, and private.
The Program can be offered to Pre-K through 5th grade classes.
Lodges will be responsible for purchasing a bike(s) to meet the child’s height, weight, and ability.
Lodge must purchase a quality pre-assembled new bike(s).
IMCAP will reimburse a Lodge a total of $1100 per fiscal year for the purchase of the bike(s).
Lodge will furnish a new helmet(s) and is responsible for the cost of the helmet(s).
Participants will not be divided by gender.
Failure to comply with program requirements may result in non-payment.
Getting Started: Masonic Lodge Application Steps
Lodge must meet with school staff to discuss the “Bikes for Books” program requirements and roles.
Lodge must obtain official notification of agreement to participate from the school.
Lodge will work with the school staff to determine the grade levels that will participate in the program.
Lodge will work with school staff to determine the timeframe of the program.
Lodge must work with school staff to complete the “Bikes for Books” application (below).
Lodge must submit the completed application to IMCAP by email, fax, or mail.
Lodge representative can arrange to pick up the kits at the IMCAP table at Grand Lodge Annual Communication as well as have them shipped to the Lodge.
Bikes for Books Program Details
Lodge’s Role
- Deliver the “Bikes for Books” program and marketing materials to the school(s) supplied by IMCAP.
- Review the “Bikes for Books” Success ticket system detailed in the Bikes for Books Lodge Guide with school representative(s).
- Follow up with school representative(s) about the date of
the bike drawing scheduled.
- Attend the drawing at the school(s) and award the
certificate for the bike and helmet.
- Communicate with the parent/guardian about the bike(s)
needed including the child’s height and inseam, helmet size, and special needs (training wheels).
- If the parent does not wish for the child to receive a bike, IMCAP will provide an alternative reading-based award (such as enrollment in a book club or an E-reader).
- Contact IMCAP when the Reading Program ends with the
# of books read and # of children that participated.
- Purchase a quality pre-assembled new bike(s) and helmet(s) for the child/children. Do not buy a used bike or
assemble a new bike.
- Send the bike receipt(s) to IMCAP for reimbursement.
- Coordinate with school representative(s) about presenting the bike and helmet to the winner(s).
School’s Bikes for Books Role:
- Confirm interest in participating in Program with Lodge.
- Use “Bike for Books” program and promotional materials
provided by IMCAP.
- Handle registration for students to participate.
- Manage the “Bikes for Books” tickets for bike drawing.
- Give a “Success Sticker” each time child earns a ticket.
- Maintain the ticket container in a safe location.
- Inform the Lodge about the date of the bike drawing.
- Invite Lodge representatives to attend the drawing at the
school to award the certificate for the bike and helmet.
- Allow the Lodge representatives to present bike to the
winner during class or special event.
- Inform Lodge about the # of books read and # of
children that participated in the Reading Program.
IMCAP’s “Bikes for Books” Role:
Prepare a program and promotional material box tailored to the school(s) to send to designated Lodge members. The packet will include templates for flyers, posters, reading tickets, stickers, registration forms, and press releases.
Reimburse the Lodge for the purchase of the quality bike(s) based on child needs.
If the parent does not wish for the child to receive a bike, IMCAP will provide an alternate reading-based award.