“Kids love cards, recognition, kindness, and love.” These words from collector Ryan Peoples resonated deeply, highlighting the profound impact of small gestures on children’s happiness. Ryan’s mission to spread joy through repurposed sports cards is a heartwarming tale of kindness and positivity.
The dilemma of downsizing a card collection often plagues collectors, leading them to search for a meaningful purpose for their surplus cards. While selling them is a common choice, the opportunity to brighten someone else’s day with these unwanted cards presents a more fulfilling option.
One such opportunity arose when I came across Ryan’s post on the Bluesky social platform detailing his mission of repurposing sports cards to bring smiles, especially to children. Intrigued by his cause, I swiftly packaged an 800-count box of 1989 Fleer cards, adding a few extras, and sent them off to Idaho Falls within hours of discovering his post.
Ryan’s distribution of donated cards encompasses various heartwarming avenues throughout the year. From sharing them with kids at his wife’s school to patients visiting him at the infusion clinic where he works as a pharmacist, the cards find their way into numerous hands. Some lucky fans attending Idaho Falls Chukars games also receive these special gifts.
As the holiday season approaches, the significance of these cards grows even more profound. Engaged in Operation Christmas Child, a charitable endeavor distributing gift-filled shoeboxes to children globally, Ryan includes packs of trading cards to spread joy among these young recipients. This year, he went above and beyond by including around 10,000 cards in packs for over 300 shoeboxes, amplifying the impact of his kindness and positivity.
Ryan’s mission revolves around spreading smiles and positivity to children through cards. His simple yet powerful philosophy underscores the potential for small acts of kindness to create significant impacts, inspiring others to follow suit.
If you’re a collector with surplus cards eager to make a difference, reach out to Ryan on Twitter or Bluesky for details on how to contribute. Just remember to check those 1989 Fleer boxes for any Billy Ripken cards before sending them off—after all, these cards are destined for kids who could use a reason to smile.
Ryan’s initiative serves as a poignant reminder that even modest gestures can have profound effects. Your unwanted baseball cards have the power to brighten a child’s day, embodying the true spirit of giving during the holiday season. Join in spreading joy and kindness with every card donated—all it takes is a small act of generosity to make a big difference in someone’s life.
