Caitlin Clark gives away 22,000 books to kids on her birthday with heartfelt message

Caitlin Clark celebrated her birthday on Wednesday as she turned 23 years old. The Indiana Fever star opted to give back to the community, donating books and school supplies to children in Indianapolis and Iowa, where made a mark in her basketball career.

The Caitlin Clark Foundation partnered with publishing company Scholastic for its national literacy program to donate 22,000 books for under-resourced schools.

“Reading and education have always been hugely important in my life," Clark said in a statement. "I remember picking out the books from the Scholastic flyer and how empowering that was for me as a child, and how motivated I was to read.

“I want to help kids have the same experience, to develop their reading skills and open their imaginations to dream big. I am thrilled that my foundation will support reading as Literacy Champions by collaborating with Scholastic and the United States of Readers.”

The foundation will divide the book donations for elementary and middle schools, children's hospitals and other nonprofit organizations.

Iowa and Indiana hold a special place in Clark’s heart. She starred for the Iowa Hawkeyes for four years, where she posted the all-time scoring record in NCAA Division 1, helping her become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft.

In her first season with the Indiana Fever, Clark led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2016 after finishing the regular season with a 20-20 record.

Clark averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists per. She was named the Rookie of the Year over her college rival Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky while also earning an all-star nod.

Caitlin Clark wants to see women’s basketball expand even more

Regarded to be at the forefront of the rise of women’s basketball last year, Caitlin Clark wants to continue to reach a broader audience to build on the momentum that the sport got.

"The more we can continue to expand that and continue to have games on national television and get people in seats because, when they show up at a stadium, they're always coming back," Clark said on Monday at a Nike Zoom event. "The more people that can get out and watch the W or watch the college game, the better it's going to be for the future of the game."

The WNBA reached record numbers in viewership last year. The Fever also got record attendance as Clark debuted in the professional league.

Clark also ended 2024 on the cover of Time Magazine and was named its Athlete of the Year.