Bikes for Books

 

Read and Ride

The “Bikes for Books” program allows IMCAP to work with our Illinois Masonic Lodges 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:

  • Schools located in Illinois can participate including public, parochial, and private.

  • The Program can be offered to Pre-K through 5th grade classes.

  • It is recommended the “Bikes for Books” Program to be ran from January through March.

  • Only Illinois Masonic Lodges can apply for the “Bikes for Books” Program.

  • Lodge’s can offer the reading program in one or more schools.

  • IMCAP will reimburse a lodge up to $350 for the purchase of 1 bike for one school and up to $500 for bikes for 2 or more schools.

  • 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) and a helmet(s) for the child/children winning the bike drawing.

  • Lodge is responsible for the cost of the helmet.

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 pick up the kits at the IMCAP table at Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

Instructions for Completing fillable pdf form:

Before completing the document, save the form (PDF format) to a location on your computer or phone (for example: Desktop or Documents) You must save the file to your computer or phone first and then fill it out. Do not complete the form in your web browser or your data will NOT be saved.

  • Click on “Bikes for Books” Online Fillable button below. This will open the form in your web browser.

  • Right click on form, select “Save As”.

  • Save the form to a location on your computer or phone.

  • Open the saved form.

  • After you have filled out the form, save this completed form to your computer or phone.

  • Send the COMPLETED form to imcap@ilmason.org.

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.

- After the drawing ask the school how many children
participate in the program and the number of books read.

- 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.

- 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 winning
child/children.

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.