Mentorship took Christian to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Claire Becknell | December 18, 2025

Christian stood on the Tom Turkey float in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade wearing a small pin from his mother, a reminder that she was still with him.

For the seventh grader from Atlanta, the moment felt unreal. It was his first time leaving the city he grew up in, his first trip to New York and his first experience being seen by millions of people nationwide. What brought him there wasn’t chance, but the steady power of mentorship.

Christian and his Big Brother and Lead Mentor, Toby, were selected as one of just 20 Big Brothers Big Sisters matches nationwide to be featured in Macy’s Mission Every One campaign. The honor included a professional photo shoot in New York City and a spot on the iconic parade float, a moment that neither will forget.

A bond built through adversity

Christian has faced more challenges than most kids his age. After recently losing his mother, he leaned on the consistent presence of Toby as a trusted adult who showed up every day.

Toby serves as a Lead Mentor at Christian’s school through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta’s Level Up program, an innovative in-school mentoring model that was first piloted right here in Atlanta. Level Up embeds mentors directly into schools, allowing relationships to grow naturally within students’ daily routines. That consistency has made a measurable difference.

Christian’s peers voted him “Most Improved Little” at his school. This was a reflection of his academic growth, improved behavior, and increased confidence. Teachers and classmates alike have seen the change: a student who feels more connected, supported, and empowered.

Through Macy’s Mission Every One campaign, Christian and Toby’s story reached a national audience. Both families were flown to New York City to celebrate the holiday together, creating memories that extended beyond the parade itself.

But the celebration didn’t end there. As part of the experience, Macy’s surprised Christian with holiday gifts, including a Nintendo Switch, and a special visit from Santa himself.

Since 2022, Macy’s customers and colleagues have raised more than $13 million nationwide to support Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, fueling life-changing mentoring relationships, including right here in Metro Atlanta.

Level Up by the numbers

Christian’s transformation reflects the broader impact of Level Up across Metro Atlanta. During the 2024–25 school year alone:

  • 1,300 youth were served across six Metro Atlanta schools
  • 92% of participating students report having a trusted adult in their lives
  • 88% have reduced or no school discipline events
  • 83% show improved emotional regulation and stronger school connectedness

Christian’s story is a powerful reminder that when communities invest in young people, the impact can stretch far beyond one moment, even one as big as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Because mentorship does not just change a day. It changes a life.

Learn more about Christian and Toby’s journey by checking out their 11Alive and NBC features.

Ready to make a difference? Give now to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and help more youth experience life-changing mentorship.

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