2 young Georgia brothers who run nonprofit supporting children get big surprise

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - What began as a 5-year-old’s way to cope with grief has turned into a growing movement of comfort and compassion led by two brothers from Georgia.

C.J. Matthews, 18, and his 8-year-old brother Kollin are the hearts behind Blankies 4 My Buddies, a nonprofit that delivers blankets, socks, books and other small comforts to children dealing with tough times — from illness and grief to homelessness.

A surprise recognition

Recently, Atlanta News First surprised the brothers at their school, Eagles Landing Christian Academy in McDonough. Each received a $250 gift card from Dick’s Sporting Goods, along with heartfelt thanks from the ANF team.

“I’ve been needing a lot of stuff for sports, for football,” Kollin said with a big grin.

Then came another surprise for their dad.

C.J. and Kollin’s father, Chris Matthews, was given a $250 gift card to a new restaurant in McDonough — a small token of appreciation for parents who’ve supported their sons’ mission from day one.

“It’s all about our family and our kids and giving back to the community,” Chris said. “This right here will take us to a nice little dinner date for me and my wife, and I really appreciate it.”

The surprises didn’t stop there. The Atlanta News First Surprise Squad then presented the family with a $2,000 donation to support Blankies 4 My Buddies, leaving the Matthews family speechless.

“Oh my God. Thank you so much!” C.J. said. “It’s a blessing, really. We were just talking about how we needed extra funds to get our projects done. This means so much.”

A mission from the heart

C.J. founded Blankies 4 My Buddies when he was just 5 years old after his family experienced a pregnancy loss. Struggling to process his emotions, he told his mother he didn’t want any other child to feel sad or alone.

“My mom asked me if I could give anything to a kid going through a hard time, what would it be?” C.J. recalled. “And I told her, blankets. Just blankets.”

Since then, C.J. has turned that one comforting item into a movement. Blankies 4 My Buddies hosts blanket-making workshops, holiday food drives and flag football fundraisers that bring communities together to help those in need.

“It feels great, of course,” C.J. said. “But I’m not in it for me. I’m in it for the pain that people are going through, because I understand what it’s like, and I don’t want anyone else to go through that.”

Little brother Kollin says helping others alongside C.J. has inspired him, too.

“I like helping my brother,” he said. “He does a lot of good things, and I want to keep his legacy going.”

For C.J., the journey from heartbreak to hope has defined who he is and who he wants to be.

“Five-year-old me would’ve never thought I’d be here,” he said. “I used to dream about working in a building 100 stories high, but now it’s not about money. It’s something my family loves doing, and I feel like it’s my purpose.”

About Blankies 4 My Buddies

Blankies 4 My Buddies’ mission is simple: to provide comfort to children and families in need. Whether through a warm blanket, a donated book or a moment of kindness, the Matthews family hopes to remind others that even small acts of care can change lives.

To learn more or get involved, visit blankies4mybuddies.org.