Kids love cards, recognition, kindness, and love. Thank you for putting a smile on their faces. This heartwarming sentiment from collector Ryan Peoples captures the essence of his mission to spread joy through sports cards, particularly targeting children who may benefit most from simple acts of generosity.
Most collectors inevitably face the realization that their card collections have outgrown their space. the surplus of cards can pose a dilemma: what to do with them? While selling them is an option, Ryan Peoples offers a more meaningful alternative to brighten someone else’s day with these unwanted cards.
Recently, stumbling upon Ryan’s post on the Bluesky social media platform, where he highlighted his goal to repurpose sports cards to bring happiness to others, sparked an idea. Without hesitation, I gathered an 800-count box of 1989 Fleer cards, added some extras for good measure, and sent them off to Idaho Falls, eager to contribute to Ryan’s cause.
Ryan’s efforts to distribute donated cards take various heartwarming forms throughout the year. These cards find their way into the hands of children attending the school where his wife teaches, patients at the infusion clinic where he works as a pharmacist, and even fans at Idaho Falls Chukars games, spreading joy far and wide.
As the holiday season approaches, the purpose of these cards grows even more significant. Engaged in Operation Christmas Child, a charitable project distributing shoeboxes filled with gifts to children globally, Ryan introduced trading card packs into the mix last year. This year, his commitment intensified as he included 10,000 cards in packs for over 300 shoeboxes, a simple yet impactful gesture of spreading joy and positivity.
Ryan’s mission revolves around spreading positivity and bringing smiles to children through the power of cards. Encouraging others to join him in this cause, he invites collectors looking to contribute their surplus cards to reach out to him through Twitter or Bluesky. However, he humorously advises a precaution: remember to check your 1989 Fleer boxes for any Billy Ripken cards before donating, as these are intended for children, after all!
Whether you have a surplus of commons gathering dust or seek to make a difference this holiday season, Ryan’s initiative serves as a testament to the significant impact small acts of kindness can have. Your unwanted cards have the potential to brighten a child’s day, embodying the true spirit of giving during this festive time.
Follow Ryan on Twitter/X to learn more about his mission and how you can contribute to spreading joy with baseball cards.
