​In 2026, the hobby has continued its meteoric rise, with record-breaking sales driving higher retail prices, more exclusive licensing deals, and an ever-growing number of collectors chasing MJ cards. Yet there is a glimmer of hope: 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.
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 Jim Valvano. The stream, timed to ESPYs week, will be hosted by ESPN’s Treavor Scales and Madelyn Burke. The lineup features a blend of memorabilia and fan experiences, including two spots to play basketball on the Madison Square Garden court, two tickets to the 2027 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix (February 2027), two VIP tickets to the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago (July 24–25, 2026) plus two tickets to the Culinary Tip-Off Event hosted by Ticha Penicheiro, a Jalen Brunson signed and framed Knicks jersey, a Travis Kelce signed jersey, and a Giannis Antetokounmpo signed Milwaukee Bucks jersey. For collectors pursuing Brunson, Kelce, or Giannis, this is among the rare auctions where winning bids can both support a cause and benefit their personal collection.
The V Foundation stream isn’t the only charity moment in the hobby this month. Mantel recently reported on Upper Deck naming Michael Jordan as the brand’s first Legacy Partner. In conjunction with this landmark launch, Upper Deck is conducting an eBay auction for a one-of-a-kind 1986-87 Fleer Basketball box inscribed “Rookie Card Box” by Michael Jordan himself. If you’ve got a spare seven figures (or more) lying around, this is a iconic piece for any Bulls fan. Ten percent of the proceeds from the auction, which opens on July 30 and closes August 9, will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Given the high demand for anything Jordan-signed, and the chance to pull his flagship rookie card, that 10% donation is likely to be substantial.
Beyond these marquee events, collectors have multiple avenues to give back. Charity in the hobby isn’t limited to a seller including a free Noa Essengue card in every package. For those looking to contribute, here are several ongoing programs worth noting:
– Children’s hospitals across the country welcome trading card donations to support patient activities and recreation therapy programs. Organizations such as St. Jude, Ronald McDonald House chapters, and local children’s hospitals are typically grateful recipients of card donations.
– Cards for Cancer and similar grassroots groups collect signed cards and memorabilia to auction for medical bills, treatment funds, and research.
– Local card shops and community programs often run fundraising initiatives or charity bundles that benefit various causes, allowing collectors to participate locally while still aligning with their passion for the hobby.
If you’re looking to participate, keep an eye on charity auctions tied to major events, check with your favorite retailers and hobby shops for ongoing fundraiser programs, and consider donating signed memorabilia or cards to support medical research and patient care. The current wave of generosity in the hobby demonstrates that collecting can be about more than the thrill of the chase—it can also make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.