Redeemer Covenant has had a relationship with Metrocrest Social Services in Carrollton for over ten years. The mission of MSSC is to provide short-term, emergency services to improve life situations of residents of Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison and Coppell.

One of the outreach programs that Redeemer has participated in for the last five years is the Hearts and Soles back to school program. This outreach is a partnership with MSSC, Payless Shoes and Redeemer Covenant. The goal each year is to raise enough money to provide 200 children with new shoes and socks to start the new school year. The primary source of funds is provided by the proceeds of an annual raffle. This raffle is a joint effort of local individuals, local businesses and the Redeemer congregation. This allows the entire community to assist in providing the shoes for the children.

An interesting aspect to the program is the way the shoes are made available to the children. MSSC schedules appointments for each family to come to Payless for their fitting. Payless allows the volunteers to open the store early for these appointments and conduct the actual fitting. It is another way for our congregation to serve those in need. It is a special time helping the children find that exact pair of shoes that helps them start the new school year with confidence.

Prior to 2006 there have been two other area churches participating, including the founding church of the program. This has allowed 600 children to be fitted each year. In 2006 three other churches helped and a total of 800 children were provided new shoes.

Redeemer has always had a heart for those in need. Hearts and Soles is a great way to share God’s love in our community and to reach out to those in need.