Local Service Clubs Reward Young Readers With New Bikes

Gonzales Masonic Lodge No. 30 partnered with the Pilot Club of Gonzales on Tuesday to bring a special surprise to students at Gonzales Elementary, visiting two first-grade and two second-grade classrooms to award brand-new bicycles through the Books for Bikes literacy initiative.

The program encourages young readers to log the books they complete at home and school. Each returned reading log earns an entry into a drawing for a new bike, giving students extra motivation to read while strengthening early literacy skills.

The Pilot Club of Gonzales joined the effort by donating free safety helmets for every winner as part of the club’s Brain Safety & Injury Prevention Initiative, which teaches children to “protect their brains for life.” Students lit up as members from both organizations rolled the new bikes into their classrooms, turning an ordinary morning into an exciting celebration of reading achievement.

Representing Gonzales Masonic Lodge No. 30 were Michael Baker, Butch Gandre, and Jerry Iserhardt. Representing the Pilot Club of Gonzales were Lorrell Wright, Scottie Beth Baker, and Karen Phillips. Both groups said they are honored to support GISD students through service, literacy engagement, and brain-safety education.

The next Books for Bikes giveaway is scheduled for North Avenue Elementary before the Christmas break.