In 2026, the Hobby has continued to see meteoric growth: more record-breaking sales—which have, in part, led to higher retail prices—more exclusive licensing deals, and more people clamoring for MJ cards than ever before. Thankfully, it turns out there’s some hope left for humanity: the collectibles industry is making a genuine effort to give back, and July is shaping up to be one of the busiest charity months of the year
Here’s what’s happening, and how collectors can participate
eBay Live x The V Foundation: July 10th
On Friday, July 10 at 5 p.m. ET, eBay Live will host a charity auction benefiting The V Foundation, which funds cancer research in honor of the late great Jim Valvano. The stream takes place during ESPYs week and will be hosted by ESPN’s Treavor Scales and Madelyn Burke
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The lineup includes a mix of memorabilia and fan experiences:
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Two spots to play basketball on the court at Madison Square Garden
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Two tickets to the 2027 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, AZ (February 2027)
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Two VIP tickets to WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago (July 24-25, 2026), plus two tickets to the Culinary Tip-Off Event hosted by Ticha Penicheiro
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A Jalen Brunson signed and framed Knicks jersey
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A Giannis Antetokounmpo signed Milwaukee Bucks jersey
For collectors chasing Brunson, Kelce, or Giannis, this is one of the few auctions where the winning bid can benefit their PC anda good cause
Upper Deck x eBay: A Jordan Rookie Box for the Boys & Girls Clubs
The V Foundation stream isn’t the only hobby charity moment taking place this month.
Mantel recently helped break the news regarding Upper Deck namingMichael Jordan as the brand’s first Legacy Partner. As part of the groundbreaking launch, Upper Deck is running an eBay auction for a 1-of-1 1986-87 Fleer Basketball box inscribed “Rookie Card Box.” by His Heirness himself and inscribed “Rookie Card Box.” Got a cool million (or more) lying around? As a proud—if not very defeated—Bulls fan, I’ll take it!
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Ten percent of the proceeds from the auction, which opens on July 30th, will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America after it closes a little over a week later on August 9th. Given the demand for anything Jordan-signed, let alone the chance to pull his flagship rookie card, that 10% is likely to be a significant donation
Other Ways Collectors Give Back
Charity in the hobby isn’t limited to a seller tossing a free Noa Essengue into the package alongside your order. For those interested in giving back, here are a few ongoing programs worth knowing about:
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Children‘s hospitals across the country accept trading card donations for patient activities and recreation therapy programs. St. Jude, Ronald McDonald House chapters, and local children’s hospitals will typically take cards off your hands
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Cards for Cancer and similar grassroots groups collect signed cards and memorabilia to auction for medical bills, treatment funds, and research
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Local card shops and shows regularly run raffles and hobby drives during breast cancer awareness month, the holidays, and around major sporting events
Between the eBay Live stream, the Upper Deck Jordan auction, and the everyday programs operating year-round, the hobby has more legitimate ways to give back than ever before. And if the last year of record card prices has shown anything, it’s that this community can raise money quickly when it wants to
