Times Free Press photo by Mark Kennedy / Tamara, left, and Chris Martin, of East Brainerd, have started a drive to share holiday gifts with children at four urban schools.What began as an East Brainerd family’s quiet decision to share their Christmas has become much more.
Chris Martin, 42, a lawn service entrepreneur, and his wife Tamara, 33, a U.S. Xpress Inc. employee, have organized a drive to purchase holiday presents for inner-city families including some households with up to 10 children.
They have attracted donations from individuals, charities and professional organizations for a push they are calling Excellence Over Excuses.
They’ve also partnered with We Over Me Chattanooga, a grassroots philanthropic group with dozens of corporate sponsors, for financial assistance and help to process donations.
“This is a total faith move,” Chris Martin said. “We realized: ‘Why would we dial back God’s plan?'”