Blankies4MyBuddies With Founder, CEO, Author & Grief Activist, CJ Matthews

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, CJ Matthews. CJ Matthews' inspirational story began when his family experienced a pregnancy loss when he was five years old. His grief sparked an idea. CJ wanted to help other kids who might be dealing with similar feelings of sadness. The idea led to creating a charitable project called "Blankies 4 My Buddies," which has since grown into a globally recognized organization that brings small tokens of comfort, like cozy blankets, to children dealing with traumatic situations from grief and loss to chronic illnesses and homelessness. Now 15 years old, CJ has received numerous awards for his service, including the 2019 YOU Awards International Community Service Honoree, aired on WSB-TV Atlanta, and named a Baskin Robbins Pint-Sized Hero July 2020 for his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He received the President's Volunteer Gold Service Award in 2020. CJ is a founding member of the Giving Tuesday Sparks, a youth leader in the global generosity movement. In November 2021, CJ released his first children's book, "And Then There Was One: A Story to Help Kids Cope with Grief and Loss," but he was already a published author. His award-winning poem, "I Am Great," appeared in Inklings Book 2019 (Society of Young Inklings, Inc), and he also contributed an essay about social justice to "In Their Own Words: Relevant Essays from Brilliant Young People In The Year 2020." CJ plans to write more books. CJ was born in Charleston, SC, but his family moved to Atlanta when he was seven. He is the proud big brother of Kollin, who is six years old and is following in his footsteps. CJ plays football, rugby and is on his school’s varsity wrestling team. He enjoys anime, music, video and board games, and hanging out with friends and family. Learn more: Instagram: @Blankies4MyBuddies Facebook: Blankies 4 My Buddies Foundation Twitter: @Blankies4MyBuds Website: Blankies4MyBuddies.org Learn more about DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation Twitter: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Did you know that you can support DDJF while you shop on Amazon at no cost to you? Add DDJF as your selected charity via Amazon Smile: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/chpf/dashboard/ref=smi_nav_surl_mi_x_mkt Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Page full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Have you subscribed to our Podcast? Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts : https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=bhNl9GjJRxKXUvTdwZme6Q Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3 Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?# Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation