PARIS – A Methodist women’s group is credited with helping the winners of a school reading raffle ride bicycles safely by donating helmets to the effort.

The United Methodist Women, a group of members from the Deering Memorial United Methodist Church, agreed to purchase 16 helmets after they were approached by the Masonic Lodge of Paris.

“As far as being safe, every child should have a helmet,” said Deana Abbot, a member of the group.

The Masons are supporting a raffle at the Paris Elementary School that will give away a bike to a boy and girl in each grade from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Students will receive a raffle ticket for each book they read and be eligible for a drawing on June 16 at the school.

“Paris Lodge and Deering Memorial United Methodist Church have a long history together,” said Ralph Chamberlain, master of the Lodge. He said many members of the church are also members of the Masons. Abbott said the Masons usually approach the church once or twice a year as a group, and have contributed to the church’s fund to restore its bell tower.

Chamberlain said the Masons have purchased the 16 bicycles from Wal-Mart. While they did not actively seek a helmet donor, they did let groups in the area know they were looking for donations of helmets or funds to purchase them.

Abbott said the United Methodist Women raises money through two sales each year of baked goods, crafts and other items. The group usually tries to do three or four mission activities each year, including outreach programs and helping the church with general needs.