Emily Bhatnagar, the founder of For Love & Buttercup, has generously donated over 25,000 books to children’s hospitals nationwide. Her philanthropic journey began when her father was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Emily shared with PEOPLE that through her charitable work, she has been able to find healing and meaning during her father’s cancer battle.
Feeling the need to help during her father’s treatment, Emily channeled her emotions into a book donation initiative. She emphasized that the impact of cancer extends beyond treatment, affecting every aspect of life for families dealing with the disease. Emily, now 21, recognized the importance of bringing light to those facing challenging times and decided to make a difference through her nonprofit.
Starting with a book drive and later utilizing an Amazon wishlist, Emily collected books for children in hospitals. Through her efforts, she has turned her family’s bakery into a hub for books, greeting visitors with literature alongside the aroma of Indian cuisine. Despite facing mental health struggles of her own, including anxiety and an eating disorder, Emily has found comfort and purpose in giving back.
As her nonprofit continues to grow and receive support from authors and donors, Emily remains dedicated to her cause, even as her father’s cancer has resurfaced. Through her commitment to brightening the lives of others, Emily has discovered a sense of peace and fulfillment amid challenging circumstances.
“Emily expressed to PEOPLE, ‘I think the book drive helped me in ways that nothing else could. Meeting the children at the hospital felt like entering a different universe, where they were the main focus and their smiles were all that mattered. Books offer a similar experience, allowing us to step into the shoes of other characters and understand their perspectives.’ She added, ‘I believe that everyone has the ability to change their reality through the magic of perspective. By shifting your mindset, you can make a significant difference.’ To read the full article on People, click here.”
