February 13, 2024
1992 must have been a good year in Hannibal. Not only was the levee system completed just in time to protect the historic downtown area from the flood of 1993, a brand-new hospital was under construction “in a corn field” that has grown into a full-fledged medical campus . . . and the group we are about to honor was established as well.
Tina Landskroner, President of Hannibal Piecemakers Quilt Guild, accepts the 2023 Community Betterment Award from Chamber Board Member, Justin Gibson.
They may not have made the same kind of headlines at the time, but the group has certainly made an impact on our community and so many of our citizens. Dedicated to “the promotion of American quilting as an art form through education and communication,” the Hannibal Piecemakers Quilt Guild does an incredible amount of charity work behind the scenes, and also hosts a growing event in Hannibal.
Listen to the list of charity projects their members completed just last year alone:
Projects completed 2023
Honor Flight Quilts 74; Quilt of Valor blocks 256; Pillowcases 111.
Food Pantry Christmas store: Quilts for foster children 11; Travel Pillows 9; Stockings 128; Throw Pillows 42.
To benefit Leaps of Love Charity: Wallets 16; Purses 16; Mug Rugs 9; Stuffed dog pillows 2; Pillowcases 2; Santa ornaments 14; Receiving blanket 1; Scandinavian ornaments 30; Travel pillows 4; Quilts 12; Misc. stuffed animals 21; Pot holders 42; Casserole carrier 1; Kleenex cover 1; Wall hanging 1; Raggedy Ann & Andy 1; Gift card holders 2; Reading pillows 6.
To benefit Miscellaneous causes: Snuggle blanket 1; Quilts for Embrace foster care 2; Quilt for Hawaii 1; Walker bags 9; Quilt for Lutheran Women’s mission 1; Adult bibs 8; Quilts Lutheran World Relief 10; Cath port pillows 15; Quilt for Veteran’s Home 1; Quilts for women’s shelter 10; Breast cancer quilt 1; Hug a bear 12; Baby quilts 2.
Over the years, members have donated thousands of items to various causes, including many here in Hannibal. In addition to those previously mentioned, quilts and hand made items have gone to the Salvation Army, Douglass Community Services, the James E. Cary Cancer Center, the Marion County Ambulance District, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and more.
Veterans are also a big focus for the group. Every Veteran receives a quilt when returning from his or her trip with the Great River Honor Flight, and Veterans who are not able to make the trip can still be presented with a quilt by contacting the Guild. Members also make squares for Quilts of Valor, which is a national program that provides quilts for service members touched by war.
One of the Guild’s past presidents, Lesa Spegal, said “Guild members refer to quilts and items like bibs, heart pillows, teddy bears and pillow cases as “a handmade, warm hug” because of the comfort and happiness they provide for the recipient.”
From the very beginning of the organization, the focus has been not only on charity but also on education. Members and guest quilters take part in monthly workshops to learn and perfect new quilting skills. In both meetings and through their publications, members share tips and techniques, and welcome newcomers as a way of keeping the art of quilting alive.
In addition, the Guild hosts a large biennial event, the Hannibal Piecemakers Quilt Show. The event displays hundreds of quilts, a quilt boutique, vendors, and special guests such as professional quilt appraisers. Even if you’re not into quilts, you might put the dates of April 5th and 6th, 2024 on your calendar and head to the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center – we heard you can often find homemade cinnamon rolls and slices of pie for sale.
Congratulations to the Hannibal Piecemakers Quilt Guild, winner of the Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Community Betterment Award!
