#United States #Rosemont #Replay Sports Cards #Sports Card Donation #Kids Charity

Replay Sports Cards to Donate 1 Million Cards in Chicago

At the upcoming 2025 National Sports Card Convention, Replay Sports Cards, the first national franchise dedicated entirely to collecting sports cards, has set an ambitious target. The company aims to donate a staggering 1 million sports cards to over 40,000 children in the Chicago area through its initiative called "Replay Gives Back."

Supporting Local Youth

The convention is set to take place from July 30 to August 3 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Attendees at the convention will have the chance to support Replay's goal by visiting the Collectors Lounge, where they can donate their unwanted sports cards. Documents reveal that every card collected will be given to local youth-focused charities, including the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago and the Noah's Arc Foundation. Brent Schepel, co-founder of Replay, expressed that, "The excitement of opening a pack of cards is timeless, and Replay Gives Back is our way of sharing that joy with kids who've never had the chance."

This initiative not only aims to promote inclusion but also to foster a sense of community among young collectors, ensuring that no child is left out of the thrilling world of sports cards.

The Joy of Collecting

Replay Sports Cards has always been about cultivating connections within the hobby. Mike Martin, another co-founder, emphasizes just how special it is for kids to experience that first thrill of card collecting. "Sparking that sense of wonder in a kid opening their first pack – there's nothing like it," he remarked. With many children being priced out of the hobby, the "Gives Back" initiative seeks to change that narrative by making card collecting accessible to all.

Since launching the campaign in November 2024, Replay has already collected over 1.5 million donated trading cards. These cards are sorted and packaged into 25-card packs, each containing 1-2 chase cards, ensuring an exhilarating experience for the recipients. These packs are then distributed through various partnerships, reaching children not just locally but nationwide.

How You Can Help

Replay invites all convention attendees, card collectors, and industry stakeholders to assist the campaign by bringing in extra cards. The packs compiled for donation will feature a mix from renowned brands like Upper Deck, Leaf, Topps, and Panini, as well as popular ones like Pokémon. Donations can also be made year-round at any Replay Sports Cards shop or via mail.

Alongside this noble cause, the Replay booth at the convention will host live sports card breaks, aiming to engage both avid collectors and newcomers alike. Mike Weinberger, co-founder and president of franchising, asserts that the success of Replay hinges on reaching new generations of collectors. He stresses, "At its core, Replay Gives Back is about expanding access – so that no kid has to just watch from the sidelines."

The 2025 National Sports Card Convention embodies an incredible opportunity for the industry to unite and create a meaningful impact. For anyone interested in learning more about the Replay Gives Back initiative, the efforts can be researched at replaysportscards.com/replay-gives-back. Furthermore, potential franchisees can explore joining the growing trading card community at replaysportscards.com/franchise.

About Replay Sports Cards

Replay Sports Cards is recognized as the first-ever sports card shop franchise. It offers a comprehensive experience that includes buying, selling, trading, and grading, making the hobby approachable and enjoyable for individuals of all ages and levels of experience. With locations across the Southeastern U.S. and an active presence at major card shows nationwide, Replay is committed to blending modern retail with a deep passion for the hobby. Founded originally as One Stop Sports, Replay ensures every visit feels like family. Weekly livestreams are also held on platforms like Whatnot and TikTok, fostering an even deeper engagement within the community. To discover more, visit replaysportscards.com.