By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — One local mother wants the world to know Natchez rocks when it comes to kindness and generosity.

Cathedral sixth-grade teacher Jennifer Haile recently started the Facebook page “Natchez Rocks” after a recent trip to Mandeville, La.

There she discovered a colorful hand-painted rock that she realized was part of a local group called, “St. Tammany Parish Rocks.”

“The idea is to spread kindness by painting rocks and hiding them for someone to find,” Haile said. “After finding the rock in Mandeville, I really wanted this to happen in Natchez.”

Many other communities across the country are participating in similar rock hide-and-seek groups.

People who are interested can get involved by joining the “Natchez Rocks” group on Facebook, painting rocks, and hiding them all over the community.

“Get your kids involved,” Haile said. “Paint your rocks, hide them, post a hint on the Facebook page and put #NatchezRocks on the back so that others can find the group and participate.”

Tagging the rocks with the specific hashtag allows followers of the group to see who has found the rock when they post their photos and also to see how far the rock has traveled.

Since the group began, nearly two weeks ago, more than 1,000 people have joined.

“I am already amazed at the number of members in the group,” Haile said. “I hope to see kindness spread throughout the community.”

Several local artists have joined the group, helping to create beautiful designs and some church groups have mentioned doing the rock-painting activity with their youth groups.

No dues or fees are required to become a part of the effort. Simply log onto Facebook and request to join. Everyone is encouraged to join and participate, Haile said.

She suggests using acrylic paints, paint pens and Sharpie markers to decorate the rocks and then Mod Podge as a sealer.

“My daughter Ali, 8, and her friends have loved decorating and hiding the rocks,” Haile said. “I hope this group sends the message that Natchez is full of caring, kind people.”