This year, students at Breakthrough Atlanta are exemplifying the spirit of leadership and service through their participation in the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy™ program. As part of their commitment to making a meaningful impact, these young leaders embraced the 1 Million Book Giveaway Challenge, a national initiative dedicated to promoting literacy among young readers. Understanding that access to books is essential for education and growth, the students are determined to ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of reading.

Their commitment to service took on even greater significance in response to the devastating wildfires that recently swept through Los Angeles, California. Moved by the destruction and the profound impact on local schools and families, the students at Breakthrough Atlanta felt compelled to take action.

Inspired by the 1 Million Book Giveaway Challenge, they went beyond merely collecting books for affected communities. With great care, they packed and shipped volumes of books to young readers in Los Angeles, adding personal touches such as handwritten notes of encouragement and Chick-fil-A gift cards. These heartfelt messages aim to bring comfort and hope to children facing challenging circumstances.

“Our Breakthrough scholars understand that leadership is about more than just taking initiative—it’s about serving others with empathy and kindness,” said Monique Shields, CEO of Breakthrough Atlanta. “Through their efforts, they are demonstrating the power of literacy and the impact that even small acts of kindness can have on individuals and communities.”

In partnership with SoCal College Attainment Network and Reading Partners Los Angeles, Breakthrough Atlanta donated 40 cases of children’s books to distribute to students displaced from their schools due to the Eaton wildfire. Reading Partners of Los Angeles took charge of distributing the books, starting with the Pasadena Unified School District’s drive-through lunch distribution line. They then handed them out to students at all of Reading Partners’ partner Pasadena elementary schools upon returning to campus at the end of January. 

Throughout Los Angeles, five schools were destroyed, with seven more heavily damaged, and as many as 700,000 students and staff have been displaced. They are currently learning in temporary locations or online. 

For one student who lost his home in the fires, the book and Chick-fil-A gift card were especially meaningful to him and his family. It was their first chance to have a fun time going out to eat together since losing everything.

"We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Breakthrough Atlanta, whose generosity has helped provide books to students impacted by the Eaton Fire,” said Chloe Oliveras, executive director of Reading Partners Los Angeles. “The excitement on their faces as they receive these books is truly heartwarming—flipping through the pages, discovering new adventures, and finding joy in stories that offer comfort and inspiration. This partnership is more than just about books; it’s about hope, healing, and the power of education to brighten even the toughest of times."

While Breakthrough Atlanta scholars donate books each year as part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy’s kickoff service project, this year’s College Prep Program participants decided to shift their focus to help students in California. The College Prep Program works with 9th through 12th graders and their families as they prepare to pursue a four-year college degree. 

Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is a youth leadership development program, sponsored by local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators across the U.S., which inspires students to be the next generation of servant leaders and make a positive impact through action in their communities. Over 1,200 schools in 43 states participate in the program and take part in the 1 Million Book Giveaway Challenge each fall. Chick-fil-A Akers Mill and local Owner-Operator Marshall McCabe are proud to sponsor Chick-fil-A Leader Academy at Breakthrough Atlanta.

"It was amazing to help children with books and gift cards,” said Anisa Mateen, an 11th grader in Breakthrough Atlanta’s College Prep Program. “It made me appreciate the life I have, and I hope we made them happy.”

Photos can be accessed in this folder. Breakthrough Atlanta students in the College Prep Program will be available for interviews on Saturday, March 22 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Please contact Jenny (info below) to coordinate.