The 11th-grade students of academic program Breakthrough Atlanta gifted new books to children at Scott Elementary School as part of the “1 Million Book Giveaway,” a national literature-distribution initiative started by Chick-fil-A Leader Academy (high school leadership program that Breakthrough participates in).
Held during Hands On Atlanta’s Discovery Day, the event saw the Breakthrough pupils hand out various literary works to a total of 130 Fulton County children.
All of the donated books included a handwritten note from the Breakthrough students, offering words of encouragement for the elementary school recipients.
“Our scholars aren’t just preparing for college — they’re learning to lead with empathy and purpose,” said Monique Shields, chief executive officer of Breakthrough Atlanta. “By sharing books and encouragement with younger students, they’re modeling educational achievement and good character for the next generation.”
In addition to the book distribution, the Breakthrough students also provided support to Hands On Atlanta’s Discovery Day programming, which included learning activities centered around subjects like health and wellness, STEAM and more.
“This partnership between Breakthrough Atlanta and Hands On Atlanta continues a long history of collaboration that began when Breakthrough’s first Teaching Fellows came from our AmeriCorps program,” said Dr. Chanika R. Perry, interim president and chief executive officer of Hands On Atlanta. “Today, we’re excited to renew that partnership through Discovery — our longest-running volunteer series — serving youth in Title I schools from kindergarten through fifth grade.”
Breakthrough Atlanta’s students take part in the 1 Million Book Giveaway program each school year. During the previous year’s event, they directed their efforts to California, donating 40 cases of children’s books to Pasadena elementary students that were displaced by the Eaton wildfire.
“I’m energized and inspired by our young people who are giving back to their communities by promoting the importance of reading,” said Tamika Ball, director of College Prep Programs with Breakthrough Atlanta. “I’m excited to see the meaningful social impact our Chick-fil-A Leader Academy scholars will create throughout this school year.”