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“Kids love cards, recognition, kindness, and love. Thank you for putting a smile on their faces.” This touching message from collector Ryan Peoples came after I sent him a box of 1989 Fleer baseball cards. It reminded me of something simple yet profound—small gestures of kindness can have an outsized impact, especially for children.
If you’re a sports card collector, chances are you’ve reached a point where your collection feels like too much. Stacks of commons, duplicates, and unwanted cards can pile up quickly. Sure, you could sell them on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, but wouldn’t it be more fulfilling to use them to make a difference in someone’s life?
That’s where Ryan Peoples comes in. Ryan is on a mission to repurpose surplus cards and spread positivity by giving them to kids who might never have the chance to experience the joy of collecting. I discovered Ryan’s efforts on the Bluesky social media platform (he’s also active on Twitter/X), and within an hour, I had shipped an 800-count box of cards his way.
Ryan finds creative ways to distribute the cards he receives. Throughout the year, many go to students at the school where his wife teaches. Others are given to patients visiting Ryan in his role as an infusion clinic pharmacist, where they provide comfort and a moment of happiness. Additionally, fans at Idaho Falls Chukars baseball games in the Pioneer League often receive card packs as part of Ryan’s outreach.
But as the holiday season nears, the cards take on an even greater purpose. Ryan’s family has long participated in Operation Christmas Child, an initiative that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world. Last year, Ryan began including trading card packs in these shoeboxes. This year, he took it to the next level, packing about 10,000 cards into over 300 shoeboxes. Each box is a small treasure trove, spreading joy to kids who might otherwise go without.
Ryan’s philosophy is simple: “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.”
Whether you have an overflowing collection or just a few extras, Ryan welcomes donations of sports cards to help continue his mission. You can reach him on Twitter/X or Bluesky to learn how to contribute. One small note: if you’re sending 1989 Fleer cards, double-check for the Billy Ripken cards before packing them up—these donations are headed to kids, after all!
For collectors, finding a meaningful use for unwanted cards can feel like a win-win. By donating your surplus cards to Ryan’s initiative, you’re not only decluttering your collection but also creating moments of happiness for kids who might never have experienced the joy of collecting.
So, if you’re ready to give your unwanted cards a new home—and bring a smile to a child’s face—consider reaching out to Ryan. Your cards may seem like clutter to you, but to a kid, they could be the start of a lifelong passion.
