Hand-Painted Rock Initiative Started By Alexandria Mom Seeks To Spread Kindness

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Acts of kindness can appear in many ways, as simple as a hand-painted rock. That's exactly the point behind an "adopt a rock" initiative started by an Alexandria resident to spread kindness and community spirit.

To celebrate the new school year, I’m also planning a special Back-to-School theme during the first week of school. The goal is to lift spirits and spread a little extra joy to students, parents, and teachers as they transition back into the school routine.

Sean Callen, a mom of three and lifelong Alexandria resident, started the "adopt a rock" to give kids something creative to do over the summer that didn't involve screen time. She hoped kids and others could take inspiration from their summer adventures and use their imagination to paint their own rocks.

Callen was hesitant to start the idea, worried that people wouldn't appreciate rocks or find the idea unusual. But the idea soon caught on not only with kids but to people of all ages.

"Even a small thing like a painted rock can brighten someone’s day," Callen told Patch. "I’ve heard from people who remembered painting rocks as kids. One woman said she was going to share her adopted rock with her grandkids and paint together. Another person took her rock with her to Arizona. Little moments like that help people feel connected."

Callen leaves rocks on her home's steps in the 300 block of Mount Vernon Avenue in the Rosemont neighborhood for anyone to take. Others can get involved by painting their own rocks to donate or start a rock station in front of their own homes. She invites residents to write letters to share how the rock is doing.

Like Callen, participants can have fun with the theming for the seasons and holidays.

"I’ve also done other themed rocks, like Fourth of July designs and matching friendship rocks that say 'Best' on one and 'Friends' on the other," said Callen. "I plan to keep doing themes for different seasons and holidays. Fall leaves, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and more. I hope it adds a little something extra for people to look forward to around a holiday or big event!"

The next "adopt the rock" theme focuses on the return to school. Rocks celebrating the start of the school year for Alexandria City Public Schools will be placed out starting on the first day of school, Aug. 18. Others can contribute their own school-themed rocks.

"I’ll have rocks painted like apples, chalkboards, smiley faced school supplies and other fun designs to help start the school year on a happy note," said Callen. "I feel like the transition back to routine is hard on parents, teachers and of course students, so any little boost is welcome."