The Indian Cultural Society (ICSJ) has been collecting used books for the past 20 years for the benefit of underprivileged students at the Indian International School of Jeddah (IISJ).

“Last year, the society collected almost 18,000 books, of which 4,000 had to be discarded as they were in very bad condition. The remaining 14,000 books were distributed among students of IISJ who can’t afford books,” said Arif Quraishi, president of the ICSJ.

He requested parents to deposit the books at selected locations and distribute them by the end of this month at the Shadab restaurant.

“Tomorrow is annual results day for grade 1 to 9. My fellow members of the society and I will stand in front of the school to collect books so that parents and children can bring their old books to school as well,” he said.

Ishrat unNissa, IISJ teacher, told Arab news that the school has nothing to do with the campaign but that it supports the work undertaken by the ICSJ.

“Parents who can afford this luxury might otherwise end up discarding the books and other things. After IISJ made sure that they could be reused, the books could be a great gift to many parents who can’t afford them. Books can be expensive, especially for parents who have four, five or even more children,” she said.

She further added that ICSJ ensures the anonymity of parents who take the books to save their dignity and pride.

“For children and students who don’t need their old books, it is better to donate them. They might help someone and it will be a “sadaqa jariya” (charity that continues to outlive the giver after he/she has passed).”

Parents and students can donate their books at MTC packers and Movers Azizia, Al-Abeer Hospital Sharafia and Azizia, Shadab restaurant Azizia, Azizia stores, Mubarak stores Azizia, Al Riyan Polyclinic Sharafia, Naseem polyclinic Azizia, Hyderabad Sweet Azizia, Ghouse Shah restaurant Azizia, Healthy Food, Sameera policlinic and Al-Shadi store Aziza.

Parents can also contact Dilshad Shamsi on 0504318610 and Arif Quraishi on 0503622124.