Rocks and a shell shown here are just some of the handiworks from the Quota Rock Painting party on April 12.  Courtesy photo. 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Youngsters from Gridley participated in a special rock painting party on April 12 at Quota Park, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event was organized by Peggy Harshbarger and the Quota club of Gridley. 

“(It’s) one of my favorite hands-on service projects,” said Harshbarger. “The kids had fun. The parents and grandparents were happy and so appreciative to have a great free activity to experience. And they didn’t have to drive miles to get here. I can’t thank all the Quota members enough for time, donations and support for this great event.”

They almost ran out of rocks, but Harshbarger brought some oyster shells that the kids enjoyed painting as much as they enjoyed the rocks. The shells were so popular that Harshbarger said she will bring more next year. 

Harshbarger has been a “Quotarian” for over thirty years, along with other family members. The club has been in Gridley since 1936. Originally, it was part of the Quota International organization, but that was disbanded several years ago. Since then, the Gridley club has continued to function on its own.

The Rock Painting party was part of the Kindness Rocks project, started in 2015. Founder Megan Murphy from Cape Cod, Massachusetts started the project by painting “You’ve got this” on a rock and leaving it at the beach. When a friend found the rock Murphy started making more with other inspirational messages. Another Cape Cod resident Alice Brock began sending painted rocks to friends. Since then, the phenomenon has spread across the United States, to the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Haiti, according to Wikipedia. 

The project also spawned “International Drop a Rock Day” on July 3, when everyone is encouraged to paint and place a rock for someone else to find. 

For more information on the Kindness Rocks Project, go online to thekindnessrocksproject.com.