Special thanks to our 2026 partner MassMutual South Carolina — we couldn't build it without you.

Build for Joy | Bike Build 2026 | Going Places
Going Places  •  Charleston, SC  •  December 8, 2026

Help us build a Record 1,200 Bikes and 3 Bike Reveals

That's 1,200 children getting bikes for Christmas.

We need your help and your sponsorship!

1,200 BikesBuilt with care.
Given with love.
3 Bike RevealsUnforgettable moments.
Life-changing joy.
1,200 ChildrenOne bike can change
everything.
Register a Team Become a Sponsor
Build for Joy 2026 Bike Build Event logo with a teal and red child's bike and Christmas trees - Going Places, Charleston SC

December 8, 2026

10:00am – 4:00pm

Building 64, Charleston Navy Yard

2301 Noisette Blvd, North Charleston, SC

Build Hope. Build Joy. Build Together.

Let's make this the most joyful season yet!

About the event

What is Build for Joy?

Year two

On one day in December, we fill a warehouse with Charleston businesses and build 1,200 brand-new bikes by hand — then give them to children at Title I schools who have never owned one.

Last December, in our first year, nine local businesses built 423 bikes. This year we've set the bar at 1,200, across 36 build tables, with three school reveals to follow.

It isn't a warehouse shift. It's a full winter wonderland — music, a school choir, Santa, a vendor market, food and drink all day, and a live bike count climbing on the big board while you build. No experience needed; our Head Elves teach you everything.

Katie Founder · Going Places
Date Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Time 10:00am – 4:00pm
Location Building 64, Charleston Navy Yard
2301 Noisette Blvd, North Charleston, SC
Parking Plenty of free parking on site
The Reveals Three schools — dates in December, TBC
Tax Status Going Places is a registered 501(c)(3), EIN 81-5267546. Every table and sponsorship is 100% tax-deductible.

The purpose is simple. Every bike goes to a child who has never had one, complete with a helmet and a lock. A bike isn't a toy — it's freedom, confidence, and a morning they'll never forget.

1,200Bikes
3Schools
36Build Tables
Year 2Of Building Joy
Pick your lane

Choose how you'll help

Four ways in. Every one of them puts a kid on a bike.

Build as a Team

Bring your crew, build real bikes, laugh all day. Tables from $500.

Claim a table

Sponsor the Event

Put your brand on Charleston's most joyful day. From $250.

See sponsorships

Sponsor a Reveal

Own the moment a whole school screams with joy. 3 available.

Claim a school

Volunteer

We need hundreds of hands. Registration opens September 15.

Add my name

Build as a Team

Grab your crew, claim a festive table, and spend the day building brand-new bikes for local kids. Food, drink, music and Santa included — 36 tables, and that's it.

Jingle Pair crest

Jingle Pair

2 builders
$500
Only 16 left

Grab a teammate and build.

  • One festive table, just the two of you
  • All food & drink for the day
  • Logo on the screens + framed Santa photo

100% tax-deductible

Buy now
Reindeer Team crest

Reindeer Team

4 builders
$1,000
Only 10 left

Bring four. Make it a story.

  • Your own festive table
  • All food & drink for the day
  • Crew name on your hanging sign

100% tax-deductible

Buy now
Workshop Crew crestMost popular

Workshop Crew

6 builders
$1,500
Only 8 left

The office party with a purpose.

  • Six builders + your own vendor table
  • Logo on the reveal volunteer shirts
  • Named from the stage

100% tax-deductible

Buy now
Sleigh Squad crest

Sleigh Squad

8 builders
$2,000
Only 2 left

Go all in. Own the room.

  • Eight builders in the prime floor spot
  • Top billing + named from the stage
  • On-stage interview + recap video

100% tax-deductible

Buy now

No bike experience needed — our Head Elves teach you everything.

See all the details
Why it matters

For a lot of these kids, it's the first thing they've ever owned.

A bike isn't a toy. It's freedom, confidence, and the morning they'll never forget.

You're the reason it happens.

A child sitting on their brand-new bike at a Going Places reveal
A team from a Charleston business building bikes together at the Bike Build
Children cheering as the cover comes off a room full of bikes at a school reveal
Run of show

How the day works

No bike experience needed. Our Head Elves teach you everything.

From 10:00am

Teams build

Your crew claims a festive table and starts assembling brand-new bikes — music going, Santa roaming, the live bike-count climbing on the big board.

Through the day

Quality checks & packing

Every bike passes inspection, then pairs up with a helmet, lock and tote at the Packing Depot. No bike leaves unless it’s perfect.

December 10–16

The reveals

Days later we roll into three Charleston schools, pull back the giant cover, and every single child walks out with a bike of their own.

See the full run of show

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about joining Build for Joy 2026 and helping bring joy to children in need.

What is Build for Joy?
One day in December when Charleston businesses fill a warehouse and build 1,200 brand-new bikes by hand. There is music, a school choir, Santa, a vendor market, food and drink all day, and a live bike count climbing on the big board. Days later the bikes go to children at Title I schools who have never owned one.
When is Build for Joy 2026?
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The three school reveals follow on December 10–16.
Who can participate?
Any Charleston business, of any size. Tables come in crews of 2, 4, 6 or 8. Individuals can give a bike or join the volunteer crew instead.
Do we need experience building bikes?
None at all. Our Head Elves walk your team through it step by step, and there is a repair crew on hand if anything needs adjusting. If you can hold a wrench, you can build a bike.
How many people are on a bike-building team?
It depends on your table. Jingle Pair seats 2, Reindeer Team 4, Workshop Crew 6 and Sleigh Squad 8. If you want to bring more people than your table seats, claim a second table.
Do we need to bring tools or a bike?
No. Bikes, parts and tools are all provided and waiting on the floor. Bring your team and that is it.
What happens to the bikes after they are built?
Every bike passes quality inspection, then gets paired with a helmet, lock and tote at the Packing Depot. From there they load onto trucks and go to three Charleston schools for the reveals.
Can my business sponsor the event?
Yes. Sponsorships run from $250 for a station or a food and drink stop, up to $15,000 for the Title Sponsor of the whole build.
Can we sponsor and also build a bike?
Yes, and plenty of businesses do both — a build table for the team and a sponsorship for the brand.
What recognition do sponsors receive?
It scales with the level. Every sponsor gets a directory listing, a social thank-you and a recognition letter. Higher tiers add event and electronic signage, logos on volunteer shirts, stage recognition and a place in the recap video.
Can we participate if we cannot attend on December 8?
Yes. You can sponsor a school reveal, brand a station, or simply give a bike — none of those require you to be in the room on the day.
Is this a good employee team-building activity?
It is the reason most teams come. Your crew spends the day building side by side, with lunch, an open bar and the best team photos you will take all year — and a child gets a bike out of it.
Can we volunteer without sponsoring?
Yes. The day runs on volunteers and we need hundreds of them. Join the Crew and we will place you on a station.
Where will the event be held?
Building 64 at the Charleston Navy Yard, 2301 Noisette Blvd, North Charleston, SC.
How do we get involved?
Claim a build table, sponsor the event, sponsor a school reveal, give a bike, or sign up to volunteer. Every route puts a child on a bike.

Still have a question?

We'd love to help you find the right way to get involved.

Contact us View sponsorship packages
A festive green and red Going Places children's bike, decorated with a red bow, ribbon streamers and snowflakes
Register a Team