Local McDonough Brothers Lead National Blanket Drive and Host Annual Giving Bowl to Inspire Compassion and Connection
Two brothers from McDonough, CJ Matthews, 17, and Kollin Matthews, 8, are rallying their community and the nation for Making Change Across the USA, a Giving Tuesday initiative that encourages people to make and donate blankets to bring comfort and hope to those in need. Through their family’s foundation, Blankies 4 My Buddies, the brothers aim to inspire compassion and connection, both locally and nationwide.
Last year, the boys hosted a Making Change Blanket Workshop on Giving Tuesday at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (ELCA), where CJ is a student. The event attracted national attention, with Nick News following the boys throughout the day as they collected blanket and food donations in their community before leading the workshop at ELCA.
This year, in addition to their virtual event, the brothers will lead a special Making Change Blanket Workshop at Morehouse College in Atlanta, part of the Atlanta University Center (AUC). The workshop will create a healing space for students affected by the recent loss of two peers, including one to suicide. This meaningful event will bring students together to connect, reflect, and make a positive impact by creating blankets to comfort others in need.
“Our goal is to bring people together to make change across the USA, but it starts right here at home in McDonough,” says CJ Matthews. “We want people in Henry County and across the country to join us on Giving Tuesday and show how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”
On the weekend following Giving Tuesday, Blankies 4 My Buddies will host its 8th Annual Giving Bowl on Saturday, December 7, from 12 PM to 4 PM at Avalon Park in McDonough. This family-friendly event combines football and philanthropy, featuring a youth football tournament, a food giveaway, a blanket drive, and Toys for Tots distribution. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring a new blanket to donate.
“This year is special for us because we are celebrating 11 years of Blankies 4 My Buddies,” adds Kollin Matthews, who attends Luella Elementary School. “It’s amazing to see how something that started with our family is now bringing people together all over the country.”
How to Participate in Making Change Across the USA:
1. Register for the campaign at http://bit.ly/makingchangeacrosstheusa.
2. Make or donate a blanket locally (or host a blanket-making party).
3. Tag @b4mbfoundation (IG), @Blankies4MyBuddies (Facebook), @Blankies4MyBuds (X), and use hashtags #MakingChangeAcrosstheUSA and #Blankies4MyBuddies to share your impact.
Event Details for the Giving Bowl:
•Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
•Time: 12 PM - 4 PM
•Location: Avalon Park, McDonough, GA 30253
•Activities: Youth Football Tournament, Food Giveaway, Blanket Drive, Toys for Tots Distribution
•Admission: Free (Bring a new blanket to donate)
•Register Here: http://bit.ly/givingbowl2024
About Blankies 4 My Buddies Foundation:
Blankies 4 My Buddies was founded in 2013 to help CJ Matthews cope with the loss of his little sister. The Matthews family transformed their pain into purpose by hosting their first blanket drive to support children in need. Now celebrating 11 years, the foundation inspires youth to create blankets that bring comfort, hope, and connection to individuals facing difficult times, including children, families, veterans, and the elderly.
For more information, visit www.blankies4mybuddies.org.
