Courtesy photo Dean Kowalewsky, left, presents Bob Bruning, of the Alpena Hopper Masonic Lodge 199, with the check for the $175.00 donation for the local Bikes for Books 2026.

ALPENA — Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union (AAACU) recently made a $175 donation to Bikes for Books 2026.

Bikes for Books is a local program through the Mason’s to encourage students to read. This year the program is partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Alpena to offer boys and girls in third, fourth, and fifth grade the chance to win a bike, helmet, and bike lock after reading books approved by the club’s staff. Each complete book earns the student an entry into the drawing for a chance to win a bike.

AAACU’s donation to Bikes for Books 2026 comes from the credit union’s Community Investment Fund. These funds are from money donated into our communities thanks to credit union members who choose to receive their monthly statements electronically. The credit union pledged to donate $9 annually for each of these e- statements accounts and in 2025, the credit union donated up to $298,600 back into the communities.