“Kids love cards, recognition, kindness, and love. Thank you for putting a smile on their faces.” This touching message from collector Ryan Peoples packs a punch. His words resonate deeply, highlighting the immense value small gestures of care and acknowledgment can hold, especially for children.
The perennial dilemma many collectors face eventually knocks on their door – what to do with surplus cards? The daunting realization that the cherished card collection has outgrown its welcome can pave the way for decluttering. While the obvious choice may be to sell these extras on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, what if these cards could bring joy to someone else instead?
A serendipitous encounter with a post on the Bluesky social media platform introduced me to Ryan’s inspiring mission. His goal? To repurpose sports cards for the greater good, particularly for children. Through his initiative, I found an opportunity to give purpose to my excess 1989 Fleer cards by sending them to Idaho Falls.
Ryan’s altruistic efforts extend far and wide throughout the year, touching the lives of many. Donated cards find themselves in the hands of eager kids at his wife’s school, as well as patients visiting him at the infusion clinic where he works as a pharmacist. Some lucky fans attending Idaho Falls Chukars games also get to enjoy these cards, courtesy of Ryan’s thoughtful distributions.
As the festive season draws near, the significance of these cards magnifies. Engaging with Operation Christmas Child, a global charity initiative distributing gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need, Ryan injects even more joy into the mix. In past years, he started including trading card packs in these shoeboxes, and this year, he took it a step further by adding 10,000 cards to over 300 boxes, amplifying the impact of his act of kindness.
Ryan’s ethos is simple yet profound: “I try to use cards to make kids smile and bring positivity as much as I can, and I hope others will do the same.” His call to action extends to fellow collectors who wish to contribute – reach out to him on Twitter/X or Bluesky to learn more about how to join this heartwarming cause. Just a friendly reminder: do a thorough check of your 1989 Fleer boxes for any Billy Ripken cards before dispatching them – after all, these cards are destined for kids!
Whether you’re faced with a surplus of commons or have a desire to spread joy this holiday season, Ryan’s initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of small acts of compassion. Your unwanted cards have the potential to light up a child’s face with a smile, encapsulating the true essence of the season of giving.
