Gilbert UMC ‘steps out’ through shoe ministry effort

GILBERT—Gilbert United Methodist Church has adopted Sole Stepping ministries as a new way to reach out and support the local community. Sole Stepping is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides new shoes and socks to elementary school students in Lexington County.

Shoes are often the most visible sign of poverty. With one in five children living in poverty, that’s a reality that impacts every school district in America. The simple gift of a new pair of shoes can positively change a child’s world.

Along with several other churches, the ministry served seven schools and more than 4,000 children. The schools served were Congaree Elementary School, Red Bank Elementary School, Riverbank Elementary School, Batesburg-Leesville Primary School, Centerville Elementary School, Saluda Primary School and Saluda Elementary School.

Gilbert UMC offers a special thank you to the volunteers who helped work all these schools: Stacey Ashley, Gale Hunnicutt , Megan Jaco, Debbie Keisler, Kathy Hiltquist, Jack Cunningham and Barb McQuillin.

Gilbert UMC also sponsored a “Sock It To Me Sunday” where members brought new socks to donate, as well as a continuing collection of old shoes for recycling.

Since 2016, Sole Stepping has provided more than 10,000 pairs of shoes to elementary school children in the Midlands of South Carolina.

For further information and to get your church involved, contact the founder and coordinator of Sole Stepping, Kara Jefferson, at 843-826-1189 or online at https://solestepping.com