In just 20 years, a South Philly thrift store has managed to help the community in millions of ways.

Located in the heart of the South Street Headhouse District, Philly AIDS Thrift first opened its doors in 2005 with the goal of supporting local communities affected by HIV/AIDS through the operation of its retail thrift store.

Since then, the nonprofit has expanded to take over operations at Giovanni’s Room, which serves the LGBTQ+ community, and it launched an in-store HIV testing center at its primary location at 710 S. 5th St., offering no-charge, drop-in rapid testing and related counseling services.

Now, Philly AIDS Thrift is celebrating not only its 20th anniversary, but a major fundraising milestone as the organization has now raised more than $5 million in grants and donations. 

“We are extremely excited to reach 20 years and to have raised more than $5 million for crucial programs focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support,” said Philly AIDS Thrift executive director/co-founder Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou.

That type of accomplishment deserves a party. And one will be thrown at the Philly AIDS Thrift 20th Anniversary Block Party on Sept. 13 from noon to 6 p.m. on the 700 block of S. 5th St. The all-ages event is free and open to the public and will feature live music, a sword swallowing and fire-breathing clown, food trucks, craft beers, a celebrity dunk tank, games, craft/vintage vendors, a pie-eating contest and dancing in the streets. 

“Whether they’re competing to see who can shove the most pie into their faces the fastest, staring in awe at a fire-breathing clown or simply dancing in the middle of the street, everyone who stops by helps us raise additional funds for local organizations,” said Kallas-Saritsoglou.

Philly AIDS Thrift has come a long way since its humble beginnings 20 years ago. 

“Back in 2005, a couple of friends and I, who were longtime AIDS activists and lovers of junk, created Philly AIDS Thrift,” Kallas-Saritsoglou said. “Our first spot was tiny, had no heat, and we literally begged friends to donate their stuff from their apartments. I am incredibly proud of the relationships we have built over the years with our amazing shoppers, the wonderful donors, our invaluable volunteers and the pivotal organizations that provide essential services. We look forward to the years to come, supporting local HIV/AIDS organizations and serving the community by selling interesting and inexpensive items through our fabulous thrift stores.”

Photo by Kelly Burkhardt

The organization recently awarded $358,085 in grants to 34 local charity HIV/AIDS service organizations and programs. It’s $5 million contribution over the years has funded programs focused on HIV prevention, outreach, case management, research and education for people living with HIV/AIDS. Since the grant program began in 2014, more than 50 organizations have received help through more than 200 grants. 

In celebration, the block party will feature a day full of fun marking the impressive milestone. The street will be closed to traffic allowing room to host a dance party from Peabody Award-winning radio host and producer at WXPN DJ Robert Drake.

The Celebrity Dunk Tank will put local business owners on the hot seat including Stefanie Jolles (co-owner of Crash Bang Boom), Joe Cox (Philly bike messenger and founder of Positive Mental Attitude Bike Ride) and Tyrell Brown (community organizer and founder of Philly Pride 365).

The 5th Annual Pie Eating Contest will be emceed by CBS 3 news anchor Jim Donovan. The contest is open to everyone and signups are on the day of the event.

In addition, the event will feature more than 30 craft and vintage vendors.

“We all have days we look forward to every year, and our Block Party is one of mine,” said Philly AIDS Thrift Board President Michael Byrne. “It embodies everything that makes us great: our staff, our volunteers, our donors and, above all, our community. Community supporting community, while having a great time. Reaching 20 years and donating over $5 million are extraordinary milestones and truly humbling. Knowing these dollars fuel programs that support people impacted by HIV/AIDS across the Delaware Valley fills us with pride and deep, lasting gratitude.”