Chris “C.J.” Matthews experienced in 2013 one of the most painful losses at just 5 years olds — the tragic passing of his unborn sister.

His mother, Kristen Wright Matthews, became ill at the six-month mark of her pregnancy, only to learn that she was dilating prematurely. All of this left C.J. confused. He had been overjoyed about becoming a big brother, kissing his mother’s belly and talking to his baby sister. Now, she was gone. Kristen recalled one afternoon hearing C.J. wailing in the distance.

“It was a really dark time,” said C.J., who is now 16. “I needed a way and help to feel better.”

Kristen and her husband knew then that they had to step in and help him heal just as much as themselves. As a family, they created a project that would pay tribute to his baby sister and help other kids who have experienced the same grief.

C.J. held a blanket drive, collecting and donating more than 800 blankets for children’s hospitals, orphanages and homeless children. Blankies 4 My Buddies was born and, in more than 10 years, his nonprofit has delivered more than thousands of warm blankets, socks, books and more to sick and displaced children nationwide.

​He has since expanded the mission. Each year, his nonprofit takes part in an array of local events, including back-to-school kickoffs and Giving Tuesdays. He also hosts an annual Giving Bowl, a charitable seven-on-seven football tournament, which empowers kids to give back. In partnership with local organizations, children’s-themed blankets and non-perishable foods are collected during the game.

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Nick News honors CJ & Kollin in the Slime-It-Forward segment. The boys were surprised at their Giving Tuesday Making Change workshop with a Nickelodeon blimp and they were slimed. It was a dream come true.  

January, 2024 
Georgia Teen Turns Tragedy Into Triumph

December, 2023
Kollin and CJ named among 50 named in Inspire Atlanta's 2023 Everyday Heroes

July, 2023
CJ Matthews  is one of Georgia's Amazing Kids in Georgia Magazine

August 22, 2022
Blankies 4 My Buddies Comforts Kids Dealing with Childhood Trauma

​February 15, 2022
CJ Matthews Named one of Prudential Financial first-ever Prudential Emerging Visionaries
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August 26, 2021
NBC Nightly News Inspiring Kids - Two Kids Team Up For A Good Cause

​May 14, 2021
CJ Leads Initiative to Create a Buddy Bench Memorial for Child Lost to Gun Violence

​February 19, 2021
Teenager Donates Baby Blankets to Roper St. Francis NICU Where He was Born 13 Years Ago

December 31, 2020
NBC Nightly News Inspiring Kids Series: 8th Grader Who is Bringing Comfort to Kids in Need This Winter

​December 2, 2020
Macaroni Kid Teen Who Gives Back Featured on CBS Evening News

​December 1, 2020
Giving Tuesday Kids Featured on Good Morning America

​December 1, 2020
A 13-year-old's Charity Provides Blankets to Kids in Need

August 5, 2020
CJ Named a Baskin Robbins Pint-Sized Hero

August 10, 2020
Eighth Grader Named Baskin-Robbins ‘Pint-Sized Hero’

May 14, 2020
12-year-old’s Nonprofit, Blankies 4 My Buddies Helps At-Risk Kids in Atlanta
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May 7, 2020
Blankies 4 My Buddies Provides Creative Activity Kits to Children Impacted by COVID-19

​May 5, 2020
#GivingTuesdayNow Shines Light on Urgent Needs in South Fulton

December 5, 2019
South Fulton Youth Helps Blanket Families in Need with Love

November 17, 2019
Family Turns Grief Into Giving
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December 13, 2018
Local 6th Grader Hosts Charitable Flag Football Game to Feed Families