Philly AIDS Thrift recently announced an increase in its monthly charitable donations, as well as the expansion of its store space — milestones that come as the store prepares to celebrate its eighth anniversary. PAT is a nonprofit store that sells everything from clothing, books and CDs to furniture and dining equipment, with proceeds donated to AIDS Fund, which distributes money to local HIV/AIDS organizations. The shop, formerly located on Bainbridge Street, moved to 710 S. Fifth St. in 2011 and recently signed a lease to expand its sales space by 50 percent. Starting next month, PAT will begin to take over the other half of the second-floor space, with the new 3,800 square-foot area expected to open to shoppers in November. The PAT team is still planning what the new space will hold, but store volunteer co-coordinator Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou said furniture is at the top of the list. The expansion was made possible by the dedication of the customers, she said. “The generosity of our amazing donors motivated this expansion. There’s been such a dramatic increase in the pure volume of items people donate, we need room to display it.” The store’s board also recently voted to increase the monthly donation to AIDS Fund to $17,500, an increase of $2,500 that will take its yearly donations to $210,000. “There is no greater feeling than knowing what we do every day has a positive impact on people’s lives,” Kallas-Saritsoglou said. “With the help of many, we’ve created an environment where all walks of life can participate, whether they be shoppers, donors or volunteers.” PAT will celebrate its recent accomplishments, and its upcoming eighth birthday, with a weekend of food, music and sales Sept. 27-29. The store will close off Fifth Street to host its first-ever anniversary block party from noon-7 p.m. Sept. 28. “We encourage people to join us in celebration with three days of fabulous sales, snacks and cake,” Kallas-Saritsoglou said, noting that the party will include local craft vendors, a dunk tank, food trucks and music. Not to mention a Justin Beiber moon bounce. “What more could you ask for?” For more information on PAT, visit www.phillyaidsthrift.com.
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