Kids love cards, recognition, kindness, and love. Thank you for putting a smile on their faces.” This simple yet heartfelt message from collector Ryan Peoples stayed with me. It came after I sent him a box of 1989 Fleer cards, wondering if the kids he shared them with would appreciate them. Ryan’s words hit home, reminding me how much small gestures of recognition and kindness can mean—especially to children.
Most collectors eventually face a point where they realize their growing card collection has become overwhelming. Downsizing is inevitable, but finding a meaningful purpose for those surplus cards can be a challenge. Selling them on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist is always an option, but what if these unwanted cards could brighten someone else’s life instead?
That’s exactly the opportunity I found just a few weeks ago when I stumbled across a post by Ryan on the Bluesky social media platform. (He’s also active on Twitter/X.) Ryan shared his mission of repurposing sports cards to bring joy to others, particularly kids.
An hour after seeing his post, I had packaged up an 800-count box of 1989 Fleer cards, along with a few extras, and shipped it off to Idaho Falls.
Throughout the year, Ryan distributes donated cards in several heartwarming ways. Many go to kids at the school where his wife teaches. Others find their way to patients—young and old—who visit Ryan in his role as a pharmacist at an infusion clinic. Some even end up with fans attending Idaho Falls Chukars games, a team in the Pioneer League.
As the holidays approach, however, the cards take on an even bigger purpose. Ryan and his family are deeply involved in Operation Christmas Child, a charitable initiative where shoeboxes filled with gifts are distributed to children worldwide. Last year, Ryan began including packs of trading cards in these shoeboxes, and this year, he’s stepped it up even further.
“I placed about 10,000 cards into packs for over 300 shoeboxes,” Ryan shared. It’s a simple yet powerful way to share joy and positivity with kids who might otherwise go without.
Ryan’s philosophy is straightforward: “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.”
If you’re a collector looking to donate your extra cards, Ryan would love to hear from you. Reach out to him on Twitter/X or Bluesky for more details on how to contribute. Just one small tip: double-check your 1989 Fleer boxes for any Billy Ripken cards before sending them off—these cards are headed for kids, after all!
Whether you have a mountain of commons collecting dust or a desire to give back this holiday season, Ryan’s initiative is proof that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Your unwanted cards could be just the thing to bring a smile to a child’s face—and isn’t that what the spirit of giving is all about?
