Buried between two large, busy intersections of New York City and hidden under scaffolding is the Housing Works Bookstore Café located on 126 Crosby Street. This bookstore’s mission is to fight AIDS – one book at a time. Everything in this bookstore is donated – records, CDs, DVDs, VHS videos – and everything is sold under its retail price. Most books I came across were $6-$10 – all in great condition.

All the employees volunteer and all the profits go toward fighting AIDS and providing housing to people with AIDS. You can donate or volunteer, buy a book and sip some coffee. It’s a great way to give back and perhaps, maybe even discover something new amongst the shelves. I usually like to grab a cup of coffee and spend the entire afternoon rummaging the bookshelves. Here is where I found Che Guevara’s Motorcycle Diaries for $5.

More info about Housing Works Bookstore Cafe:

Housing Works Bookstore Café has established itself as a New York downtown institution and tourist destination for the last decade. Special events and a fully stocked cafe make this a great place to meet friends, relax and shop the best book, movie and music selection in New York City. Our one of a kind space is available for rental and all of our merchandise is donated. We are staffed almost entirely by volunteers and 100% of our profits go to Housing Works, Inc.

Those who know me well, or well enough, know that I’ve been looking to work with a non-profit for a very long time. Many NGOs I’ve come across were looking for someone to work in-house on a daily basis. I have a 9-7 so that wasn’t going to work.

Then, I received an email newsletter from FXB International, a non-profit organization that aims to deliver sustainable results for children affected by poverty and AIDS. FXB was looking for a volunteer communications intern to work from home. The hours were flexible and it was only 5-12 hours a week. I saw it and said, “That is mine.”

Two days later, I signed some papers and was brought on board. I’m currently working to promote World AIDS Orphans Day, a grassroots campaign to draw attention to and advocate on behalf of the 15+ million children orphaned by AIDS. World AIDS Orphans Day is founded by FXB International and supported by a network of partners. We commemorate this day every year on May 7th.

This year, children in 4-8th are encouraged to enter in the 2010 World AIDS Orphans Day Essay Contest by submitting a letter on the following topic:

Millions of kids around the world have lost their parents to AIDS. Write a letter to Albina du Boisrouvray, founder of World AIDS Orphans Day, explaining what you think should be done to help these kids live better lives.

If you have a little one or know of someone who does, please feel free to pass this along. The winning essay will be posted on the World AIDS Orphans Day website. The author will receive a certificate from Albina du Boisrouvray, international humanitarian and founder of World AIDS Orphans Day, and $200 to be donated in their name to a charity benefiting children. For more information please visit, 2010 World AIDS Orphans Day Essay Contest.

If you have some extra room in your heart and on your blog to share this message with your readers, please let me know. I’d really appreciate your help.