About Giovanni’s Room

Mission

Mission

Philadelphia AIDS Thrift (PAT) at Giovanni’s Room is a Pennsylvania non-profit business. We are a federally recognized 501c3 tax-exempt charitable organization (thanks IRS!). Our goal is to sell the lovely useful, interesting, amusing, and sometimes mysterious stuff generous people donate to our thrift store and bookstore and then distribute the proceeds to local organizations involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Who We Serve

To date, the organization has donated over $5,000,000 to funding programs focused on HIV prevention, outreach, case management, research, and education for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Recently, in February 2025, Philly AIDS Thrift awarded $358,085 total in grants to 34 non-profit HIV/AIDS service organizations and programs across the Delaware Valley.

2025 award winners include:

  • Action Wellness
  • Addiction CaRE Volunteers
  • African Family Health Organization
  • AIDS Delaware
  • AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania
  • Ark of Safety
  • The Attic Youth Center
  • Bebashi – Transition to Hope
  • Black and Latinx Community Control
  • Camp Dreamcatcher
  • Comité de Apoyo a los
  • Trabajadores Agrícolas – CATA
  • Dorothy Mann Center –
  • Christopher’s Hospital for Children
  • Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice – Drexel University
  • Family Service of Chester County
  • Family Services of Montgomery County
  • Galaei
  • Mazzoni Center
  • MANNA
  • Morris Home
  • Neighborhood United Against Drugs
  • One Day At A Time
  • Philadelphia Black Pride
  • Pink & Blues International
  • Planned Parenthood Keystone
  • Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania
  • Prevention Meets Fashion
  • Prevention Point Philadelphia
  • Project SAFE
  • Siloam Wellness
  • SOL Collective
  • The COLOURS Organization
  • The Everywhere Project
  • William Way LGBT Community Center
  • Workers Revolutionary Collective

Philly AIDS Thrift’s Grant Program began in 2014 to expand its services to the community. Since then, it has grown exponentially, awarding over 200 grants to more than 50 organizations. Even amidst economic challenges, the grant program has maintained its commitment to funding essential services in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The support provided by these grants is more vital than ever in ensuring the resilience and well-being of affected communities.

Volunteering with Philly AIDS Thrift means that you are the “first impression” between our retail store and the public that supports our mission.

Volunteers are needed to assist during store hours – 7 days a week. Join our extended family where you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Meet fabulous people
  • Restock, organize, and sell new and used books
  • Help keep our store sparkling clean and tidy
  • Choose a flexible 3-hour shift
  • Make a difference in the community
  • Become cool and popular!
  • (Not necessarily in that order!)

So whether you serve by greeting customers, sorting through our lovely donated items, updating our critically acclaimed shelf and window displays, or assisting customers with item selections, you’re bound to feel a part of this warm and friendly atmosphere we’ve created! To learn more about how to become a volunteer, send us an email or stop by the store or fill out a form here.

Get StartedVolunteer

Accessibility

As a historically recognized and protected building in Philadelphia, the structure can be restrictive to those with accessibility needs. We are happy to bring a ramp out to any visitors, but mobility throughout the store may be limited to the first floor for those who require accommodations.

We recommend calling ahead of time and letting us know if you or your loved ones require any assistance when visiting us. We will do as much as we can to help despite the limits of the historic building.