General Forum

So I mentioned this in another thread about sorting yesterday, but I am currently going through a "re-organization" period. Actually, to be honest, it's more of an "organization" period, because I've never been organized.

My organization process involved documenting everything here, by sport, and once they are all added, I'm going to buy the necessary amount of boxes from BCW and sort into teams, reconciling with what I have on TCDB for a second check. Why the new boxes? The ones that I have are old and really not in good shape, nor are they large enough to hold the cards in amounts that are consistent with my organization system.

That said, I've been debating what to do with damaged cards that I have. Like anyone, I have cards with a few creases or a bent corner, or peeling foil (no, not a misprint, just cards that got stuck together and ripped some foil off). My idea is to keep a few of my old boxes and fill them with these damaged cards, and when they're full, donate to the local Goodwill, where hopefully someone who can appreciate them will find them (I'm hoping a kid who will then enter the hobby). My concern, however, is the fact that they would all be damaged.

I don't believe in throwing cards away, but is it wrong to leave an entire box of damaged cards out there for someone to stumble upon? I know if I came across one at Goodwill and bought it, I'd be a little disappointed in the condition of all of them. But at the same time, I'm not trying to make money or scam anyone - just trying to get cards with no spot in my collection into the hands of someone who might utilize them.

Thoughts?

I don't believe in throwing any cards away either. If you are donating, consider a children's hospital or maybe a local little league, places like that. Goodwill isn't doing anyone any favors, they are in it to make money. Just my opinion. I am also trying to get organized. Even though that may take years. Countless 3000 and 5000 count boxes to sort. Good luck!!

I donated about 15-20K cards last year to my local humane society thrift store. I know for a fact that they do a lot of good with the money they raise, they do not have a CEO that makes 3 million a year. They are in it just to help the animals.

There are some of the TCDB membership that told me when I stated that I'd thrown some damaged cards away that they'd take them. Ask them if they'd do it. I don't believe in donating damaged goods.

I would make a Craigslist ad in the “free” section. I’d mention that they’re damaged cards and that it’d be great if they could go to someone that might enjoy them. 

I send my damaged cards to Shawn Norris. He actually doesn't mind getting them. I'm working on another box for him now, actually.

I'm with the Commish and don't believe in donating damaged goods.  I recently went through my closets, Marie Kondo style, and got rid of maybe 1/4 of my clothes.  Anything with holes went in the trash. Clothes that were perfectly fine, that I just didn't want anymore, went to the local clothing ministry, which distributes to the needy at no charge.

You are allowed to throw away cards if they are trash.  They aren't a precious commodity. I threw away thousands of damaged cards in 2018, and it really improved my quality of life by clearing out a lot of space in my home.  I'm not going to pay the post office big bucks to send my trash to other members.  I'm just not.  I'll keep a damaged card older than maybe mid-80s (creased or whatever). But if a card has been wet, or seriously stuck to another card, I have no use for it.  That's just gross.

The donation of damaged goods is my main concern, as noted above. That's the reason I specifically mentioned Goodwill; I can drop them off on my way home from work no problem. I like the idea of a children's hospital, but there aren't any near me. I don't mind the postage cost, but it seems pointless if there isn't a specific place to send them to (I've never sent anything to a children's hospital; is there a specific department you can mail donated goods to?). I'd hate for them to arrive just to get tossed in the trash - I'm perfectly capable of doing that myself.

While I don't personally believe in throwing cards out, I don't have a problem with those who do. To each their own. I just hate the thought of throwing something away that someone else might get a little bit of joy out of.

Thanks for the responses so far. I look forward to reading any more past this point as well!

Also consider the mold/mildew factor when talking about wet cardboard.  Not something I could give to a sick child with a clear conscience.  Hopefully, no children's hospital would accept such a donation.

I agree that water damaged cards and cards that are stuck together are completely useless and have and will throw them out. But if they just have some minor damage and they are relatively worthless I would gladly donate them. Once or if I ever get organized I will do that for sure.