Toys are among the items sold at the charity bazaar at the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG and JOSHUA YAP/ The Star
BOOKS, clothing and toys are integral parts of daily life, yet their perceived value can vary greatly depending on one’s financial situation.
While some might discard these items without hesitation, for those facing economic challenges, they represent much-needed sources of education, warmth and joy.
Recognising the value these resources hold for others, it’s important to consider more sustainable ways of giving them a second life, thus supporting those in need and promoting a more mindful, compassionate community.
The collection of reading materials in the bookstore in USJ 8 run by the Tzu Chi Foundation includes comics and magazines.
Fortunately, there are organisations collecting these items and either selling them at heavily discounted prices or even giving them away for free.
These organisations rely on donations to keep their operations going.
Boon for book lovers
On a lane just behind the busy Persiaran Kewajipan in USJ 8 in Subang Jaya, Selangor, is a recycling centre operated by the international Buddhist humanitarian organisation Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia.
Volunteers at Tzu Chi Foundation Recycling Centre in USJ 8 sorting and arranging books. The bookstore only sells reading materials that are in good condition.
The foundation has taken over a few shoplots and their volunteers can be seen sorting donated items, including books.
After cleaning, the books are neatly arranged on shelves in a nearby bookstore.
The bookstore has been in operation for the past two years and receives reading materials donated by the public at various other Tzu Chi Foundation recycling centres throughout Selangor.
Puss in boots? A cat checks out the shoe rack at the charity bazaar in the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
The dozens of shelves of books that include novels, comics, encyclopaedia, reference books and more in different languages are a heavenly sight for bookworms.
“We want to give these books a longer life,” said Eng Kean Kee who is in charge of the recycling centre.
He said book lovers were reluctant to donate their collections to recycling centres in the past, for fear the books would end up in landfills or processed as recycled paper.
“When they donate to us, we ensure that the books are passed on to others who really appreciate their value.
“In doing so, we not only promote reading but also extend the lifespan of these books,” said Eng.
Proceeds from the book sales help fund the foundation’s other charitable activities, such as providing emergency aid during disasters as well as education aid for needy students.
Cindy Lai, who is in charge of the bookstore, expressed her gratitude for the public’s support.
Visitors at the bazaar in St Francis of assisi catholic church inspectingthe items on sale.
“Every month, we manage to sell thousands of books and yet we have many more coming in monthly,” she said, adding that some books were also sold online via social media platforms.
The bookstore is also paying it forward by donating books to newly built schools such as SJK (C) Sin Hua in Taiping, Perak; SJK (C) Poi Min in Puchong (Selangor) and public libraries.
The books go through a meticulous selection process to ensure only those in good condition −with no missing pages or water damage − are put up for sale.
Among the gems spotted by this writer were Chinese classical novels such as Water Margin, Peter and Jane children’s books and even old Superman comics.
Lai has learnt on the job how to price the books accordingly.
“Initially, I didn’t have any clue about the value of these books.
“I didn’t pay much attention to pricing but after noticing the keen demand, I did some research and found out the true value of some books.
“These vintage titles are our prized collection and I ensure they are priced appropriately as we are collecting funds for charity,” said Lai, who said volunteering at the store had also turned her into a bookworm.
The Tzu Chi bookstore in USJ 8 is located within walking distance from the Taipan LRT station.
It is open on Monday, Thursday and Saturday every week from 9am to 1pm except for Saturday where the bookstore is open till 2pm.
The books are also sold online under the Facebook account, TC Book Adoption Garden.
Church bazaar
The St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on 7th Mile Jalan Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, also has a popular bazaar where books are sold, in addition to clothing and various other household items.
Every Sunday, dozens of churchgoers and bargain hunters flock to the bazaar for clothing, electrical appliances, ornaments, toys, paintings and even furniture.
Much like the Tzu Chi bookstore, the bazaar also relies on donations of preloved and even new items which are then resold at significantly lower prices.
The most popular items are women’s clothing, which also form the bulk of donations.
The person in charge of the bazaar, Mary Saradum, said women’s clothes were the bestsellers.
The bazaar aims to raise funds for the church’s renovations and is also a means to promote the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle).
Mary noted that many of the donated items were in very good condition.
“Some people like to buy new clothes that they may not wear often. They end up being kept at the back of their wardrobe, never seeing the light of day again.
“But I believe that secondhand clothing can get a new lease of life in the hands of a different owner.
“We also receive brand new items from certain clothing stores,” she added.
The church bazaar also donates clothes and toys to the underprivileged such as residents of old folk’s homes, the Orang Asli community, and migrants.
“We receive plenty of used items every week, to the point that we run out of space.
“We sometimes give away the items for free,” said another person in charge of the bazaar, Patricia Joseph.
She said the bazaar was first started two years ago by the church’s fundraising department.
“It was one of the initiatives to pay back the loan for the renovation of the main church building, which cost RM1.9mil,” said Patricia, adding that the loan had been repaid.
During a visit by StarMetro, several paintings were dropped off by donors during sorting day on Thursday.
A family also donated pandan plants to be sold at the bazaar.
One of the volunteers, Marian Chua, said helping out at the bazaar has been an enriching experience.
“It has helped me connect with people and build my social circle. And it brings me joy to help others,” she said when met by StarMetro.
The bazaar is open every Sunday, from 8am to 12.30pm. Donors can drop off their items at the bazaar site, which is at the side of the main building.
For updates, go to their Facebook page, Church of St. Francis of Assisi’s Bazaar.
Though these are but two organisations that are dealing with finding new purposes for discarded items, there are many more including groups on social media that help provide affordable resources to others and simultaneously reduce waste.
By donating gently used books, clothing and toys to local charities or community organisations, we can foster a culture of sharing and support, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who view these items as treasures rather than expendables.
