Join the search! How one local group is spreading kindness in Tucson one rock at a time

TUCSON, Ariz. — Symbols of positivity are scattered across the Tucson landscape right now - you just have to look closely.

If you see a rock on the ground dressed up in paint, pick it up! You might discover a special community group known as Hide Tucson Rocks.

It's like Message in a Bottle, only the desert edition.

To participate, all you have to do is find a rock that's to your liking, let your creativity run loose, and place it somewhere around town for someone else to find.

Just make sure "@HideTucsonRocks" is written on it.

Creator Megan Ahaszuk says this simple act of kindness can go a long way.

"I think what really makes hiding rocks in my opinion really special is the fact that a lot of people can't afford to pay it forward and buy your starbucks or buy your McDonald's or even buy your groceries or pick you up on the side of the road if you need help. Depending on their circumstances they may not be able to do those things. So I really like the thought of Hide Tucson Rocks and being able to go buy a bucket of river rock for $3 and being able to put your love into it and give it to someone else," Ahaszuk said.

Currently, the @HideTucsonRocks Facebook page has over 7,000 members.

Members share rock discoveries each day, and some have even been discovered across the world in places such as Italy, Canada and Hawaii.

"The whole point behind this is just doing something for someone else that will make their day. And being able to actually see some of the stories that come through has been amazing. People that are going through a hard time like that have left the hospital find a rock and feel that it's meant for them. I just want to encourage people to think outside the box and just do something for someone else," Ahaszuk said.

If you would like to participate, there are a few ground rules to follow when joining the group:

• Be careful where you hide rocks
• Keep rocks PG rated
• Do not advertise a business
• Do not threaten or block an admin
• No rude, disrespectful or negative comments

On Nov. 9, Hide Tucson Rocks is holding a Rock Painting Class at the Joel D Valdez Library beginning at 2:00 p.m.

For more information, join the group's Facebook page.

Happy painting!