Eighty-one independent bookstores across the country got a lovely holiday present when author James Patterson, left, donated a total of $473,000 to those stores at the end of 2014.

This marks the third and final round of pledges that Patterson made last year. Patterson had pledged to donate $1 million to established bookstores that have dedicated children’s sections.

The third and final round of grants brings his total donation to $1,008,300 for 178 independent bookstores with children’s book sections. His first round of grants amounted to over $267,000, with 55 stores receiving funds, and the second round amounted to over $268,000, with 43 stores receiving funds    

Patterson, best known for his thrillers about Alex Cross and his YA novels, also is a major supporter of literacy programs.

Patterson and two-time Miami Heat champion and New York Times bestselling author Dwyane Wade (A Father First: How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball) have teamed up for two years in a row to promote children’s literacy. This past year, they also enlisted other NBA players, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Terrence Ross, and Dirk Nowitzki.

Patterson has twice been named Author of the Year by Children’s Choice Book Award, and is scheduled to be the guest speaker at this year’s Sleuthfest, Feb. 29 to March 1, in Deerfield Beach, Florida.