LIMESTONE, Maine — Through overcast skies and eventual rain, Limestone Community School’s second-graders excitedly rode their brand new bicycles around the parking lot. The Limestone Masons donated these bikes to students who met their reading requirements for the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation’s “Bikes for Books” program.
Over 1,000 bicycles have been presented throughout the state of Maine just this year through the program, which encourages young kids to read.
Young recipients were brought to the recreation room last Tuesday afternoon, where Mike Lambert, master of Limestone Mason Lodge 214, presented the brand new bicycles.
“On behalf of the Masons in Limestone, I’m glad to be able to do this and I hope you enjoy the bikes,” Lambert said.
Kids gathered around their new rides, anxious to take them for a spin.
Lambert encouraged the children to be safe, presented them with new helmets, and told them to always watch for traffic.
“Who thinks it’s a good idea to try these out?” Lambert asked as he opened to the door leading to the LCS parking lot.
According to the Limestone Lodge leader, funding for the bikes is obtained in a number of ways. Some of the money comes through membership dues, while a good portion is collected via fundraisers. Additionally, the Grand Lodge of Maine issues a matching grant and provides helmets.
“This is my first time doing a Bikes for Books donation,” said Lambert. “One of the most impressive things I’ve noticed is that the children here are very polite. Many of them have thanked me already, and I think that’s a testament to the quality of this school.”
