Two months ago, we launched our Pint-Sized Heroes program, introducing the world to young people who use their passion and creativity to give back to their communities. With that announcement, we also put out a call for Baskin-Robbins fans nationwide to help us find the next Pint-Sized Hero by submitting stories of children who are doing good. After combing through awe-inspiring submissions of helpful hands all across the country, we are excited to announce Chris “CJ” Matthews from Atlanta, Georgia as our next Pint-Sized Hero!
CJ’s inspirational story began when he and his family experienced a loss when he was only five years old. His own grief sparked an idea: he wanted to do whatever he could to support other kids who might be dealing with similar feelings of sadness. The idea led CJ to create “Blankies 4 My Buddies,” which has since grown into an organization that brings small tokens of comfort, like cozy blankets, to children dealing with traumatic situations from chronic illnesses to homelessness.
Nearly eight years after beginning Blankies 4 My Buddies, CJ is still doing all he can to provide comfort to those who need it most -- even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. To support the well-being of children in need during these challenging times, CJ also now provides “Comfort Bags,” which include items like journals, books, stress balls, toys, crayons, healthy snacks, hygiene products and more. CJ even teamed up with his local city councilman to help deliver lunch from the school district to kids who were sheltering in place.
We're honored to be recognizing CJ and the work he has done in his Atlanta community. As a thank you for all of his hard work and to celebrate his amazing accomplishments, CJ will get free ice cream for a year and Baskin-Robbins is paying his good deeds forward with a $5,000 donation to the charity of his choice, H2H Inc. –an organization committed to bringing relief and aid to those in need.
When he’s not out being a hero, CJ loves to draw, spend time with his family, watch anime and play sports including football, soccer, rugby and wrestling. The young entrepreneur and aspiring philanthropist also has an interest in marine biology and dreams of being a professional football player.
For more information on the Pint-Sized Heroes initiative and to recognize a pint-sized hero in your community visit www.pintsizedheroes.com. You can also support the program by donating to the Pint-Sized Heroes Fund at www.joyinchildhoodfoundation.org/baskin-robbins-pint-sized-heroes. Follow our heroes' journeys on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
