The Peacemakers Quilters group in Fayette made a donation last week in the amount of $1,000 to the Fayette Ministerial Alliance Buddy Pack program. The funds came from donations made during the group’s most recent quilt show held on August 6.

The Buddy Pack program provides take-home meals for students on the free and reduced lunch program.

The Peacemaker’s Quilters group was formed as an outreach program of Linn Memorial Methodist Church in 2003. In the beginning, we met informally and worked on our own projects. In 2006, the church held a drive to raise funds to purchase protection for the beautiful stained-glass windows. Wanting to be able to contribute, the group decided to have a quilt show. On Saturday, April 29, 2006, the first quilt show was held in the sanctuary of Linn Memorial. It was quite successful, and the group was able to make a contribution. 

With philanthropy in mind, the Peacemakers have since then held an annual quilt show with the exception of two years: one during extensive renovations to the church sanctuary, the other during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2010, the date was changed to be held in conjunction with the Fayette Festival of the Arts. But the goal has always been to not only showcase the many beautiful quilts but also to raise funds to contribute to a community cause. 

Also, in 2010, the Peacemakers joined the National Quilts of Valor program. The following January, they presented their first Quilt of Valor. To date, the Peacemakers have presented 62 Quilts of Valor to deserving veterans and servicemen in the Fayette area.

Throughout the years, members have changed, but one original group member is still active. It takes many to stage a large quilt show, and the Peacemakers are appreciative and grateful to the many who give their time and energy to allow them to continue to have the show and fulfill the original goal of giving back to the community. The Peacemakers extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who assisted and/or attended this Bicentennial show.