Cobden Masonic Lodge rewards young readers with new bikes

Students at Cobden Elementary School read hundreds of books this spring as part of the Bikes for Books program, sponsored by Cobden Lodge No. 466.

The reading incentive program, open to students in prekindergarten through fifth grade, was held March 2-27. Approximately 240 students participated and read a total of 517 books.

Cobden Lodge No. 466 has sponsored the program at the school for four consecutive years.

At the conclusion of the program, one boy and one girl were selected in drawings to receive bicycles and helmets. This year's winners were Miguel Garcia, a third-grade student, and Lexi Jackson, a fourth-grade student. The bicycles were presented May 11.

The Bikes for Books program is coordinated statewide by the Illinois Masonic Children's Assistance Program, a charity of Illinois Freemasonry. The initiative is designed to encourage reading among elementary school students by giving them the opportunity to win a bicycle and helmet.

Under the program, local Masonic lodges partner with public schools to organize reading challenges for students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. The Illinois Masonic Children's Assistance Program provides bicycles and promotional materials, while participating lodges coordinate with schools and supply the helmets.

The program aims to promote reading while strengthening ties between local schools and community organizations.