The 30-year-old has spent the last two weeks helping flood victims, and says she initially bought groceries for them but soon realised they had enough foodstuff coming in.
“I wanted to do more to help,” she tells FMT. “Then a colleague of mine, whose house was affected, told me how her daughter was really upset that her story books had been washed away.”
Linggatharani says this resonated deeply with her as she remembers how much joy and comfort her books brought her growing up. “I used to be the first one at the library and the last to leave,” she laughs.
Linggatharani says she was devastated when she learnt how many children’s books had been destroyed by the floods.
“The water rose very quickly and the victims were not able to save their belongings. Many of them lost everything,” she reflects.
With this idea in mind, she set out on Jan 1 to collect books of all genres for children and teenagers, and has since been able to gather over 300 books.
“I was so surprised and am very grateful for those who have taken the time and effort to donate,” she says, adding that she hopes to receive even more over the next few days.
Once the books have been collected, Linggatharani plans on setting up stations in flood-affected areas such as Puchong and Taman Sri Muda.
“I want to ensure the books reach those who are keen on reading, so this way, the children can come and choose the books they want.”
She adds that she has also received donations of textbooks and school supplies such as stationery and uniforms, which will also be distributed to the needy.
But for now, she stresses that books are her primary goal. “I have been told that schools in Klang and Dengkil have also been affected and wish to donate to them as well,” she says.
And to make sure no books go to waste, extras will be donated to school libraries in these areas.
Linggatharani is currently running this project on her own, and admits it is “a little difficult” as her car can only hold so many books. But she has been receiving help from her family and friends.
She had initially planned to hold the donation drive until this Saturday, Jan 8, but is happy to keep receiving books that come in beyond this date.
Those who wish to donate their books can arrange for her to pick them up from residences in Bangsar, Medan Damansara or Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur.
Alternatively, she is happy for the books to be dropped off at her home. “Donors simply need to send me a text or call beforehand to arrange the donation,” she says.
Linggatharani hopes to distribute the books by the middle of this month and, to ensure accountability, will be posting updates on her blog once she starts doing so.
If you wish to donate books for children or young adults to the flood victims, contact Linggatharani at 010-5662144. For eventual updates on distribution, visit her personal blog.