One of the most magical moments of childhood is that feeling when a kid hops on a bike and suddenly the world opens up — independence, confidence, exploration, and pure joy. For nearly two decades, Boise Bicycle Project (BBP) has been delivering that magic to families across the Treasure Valley. Every December, they host the Boise Bicycle Project Dream Bike Giveaway.
The Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway, a one-of-a-kind event where hundreds of children receive a bike that matches the picture they dreamed up themselves. Kids referred by community partners — nonprofits, youth programs, charities, and social workers — draw what their “dream bike” looks like. BBP’s staff and volunteers then spend October and November repairing, tuning, and customizing donated kids bikes to bring those drawings to life.
It is imagination, dignity, and community power all rolled into one.
Last year alone, BBP donated more than 1,600 bikes to Idaho families, and since opening its doors in 2007, they’ve given away about 15,000 bikes to the community. That’s thousands of joyful memories, thousands of moments of courage, and thousands of children who feel seen and supported.
What Happens at the Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway
One of the most magical moments of childhood is that feeling when a kid hops on a bike and suddenly the world opens up — independence, confidence, exploration, and pure joy. For nearly two decades, Boise Bicycle Project (BBP) has been delivering that magic to families across the Treasure Valley.
Every December, BBP hosts its Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway, a one-of-a-kind event where hundreds of children receive a bike that matches the picture they dreamed up themselves. Kids referred by community partners — nonprofits, youth programs, charities, and social workers — draw what their “dream bike” looks like. BBP’s staff and volunteers then spend October and November repairing, tuning, and customizing donated kids bikes to bring those drawings to life.
It is imagination, dignity, and community power all rolled into one.
Last year alone, BBP donated more than 1,600 bikes to Idaho families, and since opening its doors in 2007, they’ve given away about 15,000 bikes to the community. That’s thousands of joyful memories, thousands of moments of courage, and thousands of children who feel seen and supported.
What Happens at the Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway
On December 13, children will be matched with their dream bikes — not just in size, but in spirit. Families will be welcomed into a warm, community-focused environment with:
✨ Bikes customized to their drawings
✨ Food to take home
✨ Warm clothing
✨ Cookies and cocoa
✨ Connections to other service organizations
It’s not just about giving a bike — it’s about giving a child the feeling that they matter.
As Programs Director Benton Smith says:
“Every part of this event relies on community support — from families delivering bikes they have outgrown, to volunteers repairing and decorating those bikes, to a coalition of other incredible organizations working to get children in need identified and to the event through all sorts of barriers. It truly takes the work of hundreds to make this possible.”
Giving Tuesday: Adopt a Dream Bike (Dec 1–12)
This is the main way to support BBP right now.
Like the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, you can adopt a specific child’s dream bike and help fund the parts, repairs, and customization that will transform it from a drawing into the real thing.
You’ll see actual bike requests — the colors, the stickers, the streamers, the sparkles — and get to sponsor a child’s dream. It is one of the most direct, personal, and meaningful ways to support a local family.
Why Dream Bikes Matter
Kids grow fast — sometimes three inches in a single year — and it can be hard for families to keep up, especially when bikes are expensive. BBP takes those donated bikes and turns them into something extraordinary:
A bike is never “just a bike.”
- It’s freedom.
- It’s friendship.
- It’s transportation.
- It’s community.
- It’s movement and fresh air.
- It’s a childhood milestone they’ll remember forever.
The Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway honors all of that — and reminds each child that their imagination, their voice, and their dreams matter.
Prefer to Make a Financial Donation?
Financial donations directly support:
- Parts and repairs
- Helmets and safety equipment
- Decorations and personalization
- Warm clothing, food, and family resources at the giveaway
Whether you give $10, $100 or even $1000, your gift has a meaningful impact.
Boise Shows Up — Every Single Time
The Boise Bicycle Project is what Boise does best: community care, local love, big impact.
Whether you adopt a bike or make a financial donation, your generosity helps a child experience pride, joy, and possibility this holiday season.
If your family can take action, please do! If not, please help us spread the word and forward this to friends and family!
Together, we can keep the wheels turning for Boise kids and make dreams come true with the Boise Bicycle Project Dream Bike Giveaway.