St. Clair County Quilt Trail stitching community together one block at a time

Several times a week in Algonac’s Church of Christ, one can find the Piece to Peace Quilters  (PTPQ) busy at work doing what they love most - quilting for a cause.

Known best for their local community support and service to organizations such as Kids in Distress and The Cancer Quilt, PTPQ’s Director, Jan Evans, says her group is always finding more ways to contribute to the betterment of St. Clair County’s Community.

In 2022, PTPQ formed the St. Clair County Quilt Trail (SCCQT). Aware that quilt trails existed all over the country and having traveled to find the many quilts in Michigan, the PTPQ group knew they wanted to start their trail in St. Clair County and share the unique stories of the community they have loved serving.

“We have such an amazing community of quilters right there, and we knew it would mean a lot to people,” Evans says.

Harsens Island Fire Station quilt block.

With their vision of stitching the story of community one block at a time through art and history, the focus is to lure people off the main drag and expressway, leading to the county’s quaint towns like Algonac and St. Clair, beautiful waters, shops, farms, parks, and museums. Evans adds that this also brings commerce to the area.

There are 22 Quilt Trails in Michigan, which has more quilts than anywhere in the country. Unique to the SCCQT’s series of 27 quilt blocks are the QR codes at the bottom of each quilt square, which link to a web page for each quilt block’s unique history and details.

The painted wooden and metal blocks are typically placed along a route emphasizing local architecture, history, and significant landscapes or properties. Maps are available on their website for those who wish to explore and learn the history of each town.

Businesses, farms, museums, and residences can become host members, and the SCCQT hosts informative sessions on participating and sharing family or business stories.  Biannual quilt block paint workshops are offered, with the next one scheduled for May 2-3, 2025.

The Care Bag Movement

Every year in April, the organization hosts its well-known and attended Care Bag Movement event, hosted and coordinated by Algonac High School students.

This event supports the St. Clair County Department of Health and Human Services and Kids In Distress, an organization that provides clothing and basic needs for foster children.
Algonac High School students involved in the Care Bag Movement.
The care bags are filled with personal items so that when a social worker picks up a child, that personal bag goes with them with all their very own things. Evans adds that this makes their transition easier during a difficult time.

On average, 50 to 60 high school students mentor about 300 elementary school children that day from both Algonquin and Millside Elementary Schools, speaking to them about caring for, serving, and loving others in the community. The high school kids are also mentored by a PTPQ member who talks to them about running non-profit organizations, forming and working committees, and emphasizing the importance of contributing to the local community.

The PTPQ ladies believe this is an investment in our youth, encouraging them to lift a hand to volunteer, run a meeting, or lead by example.

“It’s very organized,” Evans says. “With nearby local businesses providing meals and snacks throughout the day, it truly is a community-wide event.”

This year's event will take place on April 25 at the Lions Hall on 1905 Mill Street in Algonac from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m