Patrick Mahomes’ $15,000 literacy move helped put nearly 6,000 books in Kansas City kids’ hands (Getty Images)
On May 31, 2025, his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation announced a $15,000 donation to the Kansas City Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. The money helped the library purchase nearly 6,000 books for local children and support its effort to reduce summer learning loss. His foundation had already backed reading programmes across Kansas City, while his #ReadFor15 campaign encourages children to spend at least 15 minutes reading each day. The Kansas City Public Library received the $15,000 award as part of its continuing partnership with the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. The money funded nearly 6,000 books that the library planned to distribute to Kansas City children through its 2025 Summer Reading Program. It cited studies showing that students in third through fifth grade can lose as much as 20% of their previous reading gains during the summer break. Its 2024 Summer Reading Program attracted a record 15,060 registered participants. In 2025, the programme ran from May 30 through August 15. Mahomes spoke about the value of reading in the foundation’s May 31 announcement.
It helps us grow, learn, and dream big,” Patrick Mahomes said in the announcement of his foundation’s partnership with the Kansas City Public Library. Patrick Mahomes has found another way to help Kansas City children, and this one starts with a book. The donation added another piece to Mahomes’ literacy work. The foundation also pointed to summer learning loss. The library had a strong base to build on. Every person who registered received a free book, while participants could also complete a five-book challenge and earn a reward. “Reading every day is so important.
The donation also followed Mahomes’ March 31 appearance at the Read for 15 Reading Rally at T-Mobile Center. Around 3,000 students attended the Kansas City event, which promoted a 15-minute daily reading habit. On April 14, 2025, 15 and the Mahomies donated $15,000 to HALO’s Fresh Start Fund. The programme helped provide new wardrobes for 50 homeless children moving into HALO Homes in Kansas City. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines HALO founder and CEO Rebecca Welsh explained the thinking behind the programme in the April 14 announcement. HALO also runs a Kansas City Learning Center that supports more than 700 homeless and at-risk children. The two projects show the range of Mahomes’ work with children in 2025. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
“Reading is the foundation for success in school and in life,” Mahomes said at the March 31 Reading Rally. Every child deserves dignity,” Welsh said in HALO’s announcement of the Fresh Start Fund partnership. He also encouraged children to build a daily reading habit that could be “fun and empowering. The donation covered basic items such as underwear, socks, shoes and clothing. For children entering a new home, those simple items can be some of the first things they get for themselves. “Every child deserves to be confident. Its services include tutoring, scholarships and life-skills programmes. One focused on helping kids keep reading during the summer. The other helped homeless children settle into a new home with clothes and basic essentials. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
The foundation supported another group of Kansas City children just weeks earlier.