Build a Bike Program Creates Summer Memories for Kids in Foster Care

There’s something magical about summertime as a kid: the long days, no homework…and of course, the thrill of hopping on a bike and riding through the neighborhood. For many, those summer rides are a symbol of freedom, independence, and growing up. Foster Love created our Build a Bike program to help foster youth experience that essential childhood milestone. 

Every bike gifted through this program helps a child feel what they deserve to feel: like a kid.

A Summer of Possibility

Summer can be especially difficult for children in foster care. While other kids are off on family trips or riding bikes with friends, foster youth may be adjusting to new homes, navigating uncertainty, or managing the emotional weight of trauma.

To a child in foster care, a bike is so much more than a toy. It’s a sense of ownership, freedom, and fun. For many, it’s the first brand-new item they’ve ever received. That bike becomes a symbol of normalcy, and the start of cherished summer memories.

What Is Foster Love’s Build a Bike Program?

Our Build a Bike program is a team building activity that unites individuals, corporate groups, and community partners to sponsor, assemble, and donate brand-new bicycles to foster youth across the nation. 

Two Ways to Gift a Bike

Our Build a Bike program offers two meaningful ways to get involved:

1. Sponsor a Bike
   Every bike donated begins with someone stepping up to sponsor it. Whether you’re an individual, family, or company, sponsoring a bike (or several!) helps provide a brand-new bike and helmet to a foster youth who needs it. No assembly required—just pure impact.
2. Participate in a Team Build
   Looking for a service activity with heart? Our team builds bring together corporate groups, individuals, and community partners to assemble and donate bikes. Sponsors fund the bikes, then work side-by-side to build them as a team. It’s a powerful way to strengthen collaboration and give back at the same time.

Every bike build includes brand-new helmets, safety checks, and a whole lot of heart.

Bike Builds Are Popular!

We’ve been honored to work with hundreds of groups who’ve participated in our bike builds as part of team-building experiences. Companies from across the country—big and small—have joined us to roll up their sleeves and assemble bikes with heart. 

From Fortune 500 companies to local businesses, hundreds of groups have joined us in assembling bikes for foster youth. These events don’t just build bicycles—they build connection, purpose, and shared impact.

Team members leave knowing they’ve done something that truly matters. That their efforts are helping a child ride into summer with confidence, freedom, and joy.

The Impact So Far

Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and partners, Foster Love has delivered countless  bikes across the country. And while we may never fully know the ripple effect of each donated bike, we know the impact is real.

Foster youth often face tremendous challenges. But moments like riding a bike down the street on a summer evening help reclaim pieces of childhood that should never be lost.

Check out who’s helped with bike team builds recently on our blog HERE! 

Ready to Be a Part of This? 

Whether you’re a business leader looking for a meaningful team building event or someone who wants to make a difference, the Build a Bike Program is a hands-on way to spread joy. You can join the movement in a way that fits your goals:

• Sponsor bikes to make a direct impact.
• Host or join a team build to combine service with team bonding.
• Bring the program to your city and help more children ride into summer with joy.

GIFT A CHILD THE JOY OF THEIR FIRST RIDE

Together, we can ensure that more kids in foster care get the chance to pedal into a summer of possibility, just like any child should.