“Kids love cards, recognition, kindness, and love. Thank you for putting a smile on their faces.” These words of gratitude from collector Ryan Peoples resonate deeply, highlighting the power of small gestures in bringing joy. As collectors amass more cards, the dilemma of surplus sets in, urging them to find a meaningful outlet for their extras.
Selling surplus cards is a common approach, but imagine if these unwanted treasures could ignite a spark of happiness in someone else’s life. This very notion led me to a serendipitous encounter with Ryan, a fellow collector spreading joy through sports cards, especially to children in need.
Upon discovering Ryan’s mission on the Bluesky platform, I promptly prepared an assortment of 1989 Fleer cards and dispatched an 800-count box to Idaho Falls—a simple act with the potential to make a significant impact.
Ryan’s channels for distributing donated cards are diverse and heartening. From sharing them with children at his wife’s school to brightening the day of patients at his infusion clinic, the cards find their way into various hands. Some lucky recipients even enjoy them at Idaho Falls Chukars games, enhancing their experience of America’s favorite pastime.
As the holiday season approaches, the significance of these cards grows even more pronounced. Engaged in Operation Christmas Child, a global gift-giving project, Ryan includes packs of trading cards in shoeboxes distributed to children worldwide. Last year, 10,000 cards found their way into over 300 shoeboxes—a meaningful gesture that spreads joy far and wide.
Ryan’s approach is simple yet impactful: spreading positivity and bringing smiles to children through the universal appeal of trading cards. For collectors inspired to contribute to this heartwarming cause, Ryan awaits your outreach on Twitter or Bluesky, eager to welcome your donations. One gentle reminder: check your 1989 Fleer collection for any Billy Ripken cards before sending them off to ensure pure delight for the young recipients.
In a world where small acts of kindness can have profound effects, Ryan’s initiative serves as a beacon of hope and joy. Your surplus cards have the potential to make a child’s day brighter, amplifying the spirit of giving during this festive season. Let’s join hands with Ryan in repurposing baseball cards to spread happiness and warmth to those who need it most.
