Philly AIDS Thrift, a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s secondhand shopping culture and a vital part of the queer community, marks its 20th anniversary this Saturday with a vibrant block party.
The event, which will be held from 12 to 6 p.m. on South 5th Street, is designed to honor the store’s legacy of selling donated items and directing the profits to various LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS service organizations.
Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou, the store’s director and co-founder, spoke passionately about the origins and mission of Philly AIDS Thrift.
“We are longtime AIDS activists and lovers of junk. So we put those two things together, and this is what we came up with,” Kallas-Saritsoglou explained.
Since its inception in 2005, when Kallas-Saritsoglou opened the shop with her now-retired business partner, Tom Brennan, Philly AIDS Thrift has transformed from a small space on Bainbridge Street to a thriving store employing around 30 staff members.
Over the years, the organization has donated more than $5 million to over 50 local HIV/AIDS service organizations.
Kallas-Saritsoglou reflected on the humble beginnings of the shop.
“In the beginning, we were asking our friends to donate items, gathering things from our apartments, trying to fill up the store a little bit. Gradually, people started coming, and we thought, ‘Maybe this is gonna work,’” she recounted.
Board president Michael Byrne expressed his pride in the store’s significant impact on the community, noting that donations support various nonprofits, including the Attic Youth Center, the Mazzoni Center, and Planned Parenthood.
Additionally, Philly AIDS Thrift offers biweekly HIV rapid testing in-store, providing essential health services in a welcoming environment.
“I love thrift stores, but there’s something about Philly AIDS Thrift — it’s a great thrift store, and it actually makes a huge difference in our community,” Byrne said, reflecting on his decade-long involvement with the organization.
Byrne emphasized the community’s unwavering support for LGBTQ+ health initiatives, demonstrating how everyday items can effect real change.
“We’ve raised this money selling T-shirts, used bowls, furniture, clothing, and books,” he noted.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and the loyalty of customers, the shop experienced a 10% increase in sales last month compared to the previous year.
Guests are invited to join the festivities at the block party, where attendees will find live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, and even performances by unique talents, such as Dr. Reverend MacKenzie Moltov, known for her sword swallowing and fire breathing.
Kallas-Saritsoglou promised that the block party would be a showcase of delightful entertainment, including a celebrity dunk tank and a messy pie-eating contest, the latter organized in conjunction with MANNA ahead of their Thanksgiving fundraiser, Pie In The Sky.
“My favorite thing is the pie-eating contest,” Byrne admitted.
“Watching people eat a pie with their hands behind their back is truly revolting and hysterical at the same time.”
Moreover, the block party will feature various vendors from the neighborhood, allowing attendees to explore offerings from local shops such as South Street Art Mart and Crash Bang Boom.
Kallas-Saritsoglou believes that in an age dominated by fast fashion and instant online shopping, the appeal of thrift shopping remains strong.
“You’ll probably find a better quality of items at our thrift store,” she said, emphasizing the thrill of the hunt for unique pieces.
Philly AIDS Thrift has navigated through numerous pivotal moments in the LGBTQ+ community over the past twenty years.
This includes responding to governmental initiatives like the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and witnessing major milestones such as the legalization of gay marriage and increased visibility for trans individuals.
However, the organization continues to face challenges, including funding cuts affecting critical partners like Bebashi – Transition to Hope and the William Way LGBT Community Center.
“It’s getting harder with funding right now,” Kallas-Saritsoglou remarked.
Despite these obstacles, the mission of Philly AIDS Thrift remains steadfast.
“It’s amazing that we’re hitting this 20-year milestone,” Kallas-Saritsoglou added.
She reflected on the significance of being able to donate over $5 million to support the community, stating, “it’s actually $5.1 million at this point, and I don’t want to be like, ‘it’s a dream come true,’ but it kind of is.”
The 20th anniversary block party is not just a celebration but a joyous reminder of the impact of shared community values and the ongoing need for support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
image source from：billypenn
