“Kids love cards, recognition, kindness, and love. Thank you for putting a smile on their faces.” The genuine sentiment expressed by collector Ryan Peoples resonates deeply. It serves as a gentle reminder of the profound impact small acts of kindness can have, especially when directed towards children.
As avid collectors amass an ever-growing pile of trading cards, they inevitably reach a saturation point where the sheer volume becomes overwhelming. While the obvious solution may be to sell them through online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, an alternative opportunity presents itself – one that involves spreading joy and brightening lives.
This chance came into focus recently when stumbling upon a post by Ryan on the Bluesky social media platform, known for his active presence on Twitter/X. In his post, Ryan shared his heartwarming mission of repurposing sports cards to bring happiness to others, particularly children.
Within an hour of encountering Ryan’s post, an 800-count box of 1989 Fleer cards, accompanied by a few additional surprises, was swiftly packaged and dispatched to Idaho Falls to contribute to his cause.
Ryan’s distribution of donated cards takes various heartfelt avenues throughout the year. While many cards find their way to children at his wife’s school, others reach patients of diverse ages during their visits to the infusion clinic where Ryan works as a pharmacist. Some lucky cards even end up in the hands of fans attending games of the Idaho Falls Chukars, a team in the Pioneer League.
As the holiday season approaches, the significance of these cards becomes even more profound. Ryan and his family play an integral role in Operation Christmas Child, a charitable initiative that involves distributing shoeboxes filled with gifts to underprivileged children worldwide. Last year, Ryan began including packs of trading cards in these boxes, and this year, his efforts have escalated significantly. “I placed about 10,000 cards into packs for over 300 shoeboxes,” Ryan proudly shared. It’s a simple yet impactful way to spread joy and positivity to children in need.
At the core of Ryan’s mission lies a simple yet powerful philosophy: “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.” For collectors looking to donate surplus cards, reaching out to Ryan through Twitter/X or Bluesky is the first step towards contributing to this noble cause. It is worth noting, however, to double-check any 1989 Fleer boxes for Billy Ripken cards before dispatching them – after all, these cards are meant for children’s enjoyment!
Whether you find yourself burdened with a surplus of trading cards gathering dust or possess a desire to give back during the holiday season, Ryan’s initiative serves as a poignant reminder that even the smallest gestures of kindness can have a profound impact. Your unwanted cards could be the key to eliciting smiles on the faces of children – encapsulating the true essence of the season of giving.
