As a family tradition, each Christmas Carter Fowler's family has him read a story from a book about his grandfather, Calvin Fowler.
Years ago, a small schoolhouse on Signal Mountain was full of children who would not see any gifts from Santa that year, the story goes. The teacher boldly approached Calvin, owner of the Fowler Brothers Furniture store, asking for help for her students. Calvin stepped up and brought gifts for every student and their families, an act of kindness that serves as an example of how the family has continued to focus on giving back.
His grandson Carter has adopted that tradition and continued the generosity by partnering with the Chattanooga Toy for Tots Foundation. Called "Pass It Forward," The Furniture Shoppe and The Patio Shop Carter now owns will donate a portion of store sales throughout November and up until Dec. 20 to the foundation.
"I felt led to follow in his footsteps. I'm the fifth generation to operate The Furniture Shoppe, and it's something special we want to do," Carter Fowler said. "We've partnered with [Toys for Tots] for three years and it's such a good thing for the community."
The adjoined shops kicked off this year's complementary toy drive with an open house in early November. Marines from the Toy for Tots Foundation, Staff Sgt. Greg Clemens, 1st Sgt. Steve Battista and Capt. Chris Cotton, spoke at the event.
"It's cool for the public to see them and to be shown what this cause is all about," Fowler said. "It was a great event and it really brought everyone together."
All proceeds raised through the drive will stay in Chattanooga to benefit local families, he added.
"You just don't know how many people out there are in a situation where they won't get to enjoy Christmas," said Fowler. "We're blessed to help and it's something we want to be a part of."
The Furniture Shoppe is located at 1903 E. 24th St.