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Hartselle Today
By the People, for the People
Kindness Rocks Project Brightens Hartselle Parks
Student-led initiative spreads positivity through painted rocks hidden in local green spaces.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:29pm
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Key Club students from across Alabama created 'Kindness Rocks' as a thank-you gesture for the Kiwanis clubs that support them. The Kiwanis Club of Hartselle received several of the rocks and decided to share the gesture with the community by placing them in local parks like E.A.R.T.H. Park and Sparkman Park. Organizers say the simple activity is meant to remind people that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Why it matters
The 'Kindness Rocks' project highlights the impact of youth leadership and the Kiwanis organization's investment in developing the next generation of community servants. By spreading these painted rocks throughout Hartselle's parks, the initiative aims to connect the community and spread positivity.
The details
The rocks were painted during an Alabama Key Club project at the organization's Division Conference on March 1. Students then brought the rocks to the Kiwanis conference last weekend, where they were distributed among Kiwanis chapters across the state. Kiwanis clubs are now placing the rocks in parks within their local communities.
- The rocks were painted on March 1 during an Alabama Key Club project.
- The rocks were distributed to Kiwanis chapters last weekend.
The players
Jesi Livingston
President of the Kiwanis Club of Hartselle.
William Ellard
Alabama Key Club lieutenant governor and an Auburn High School junior.
Lauren Blankenship
Key Club Division 3 lieutenant governor and a Hartselle High School senior.
What they’re saying
“Seeing these kindness rocks created by our Alabama Key Club students is a powerful reminder of why Kiwanis invests in youth leadership. Their creativity and heart for serving others inspires our entire community. Our club wanted to share that message of kindness beyond our meetings or conferences, so placing the rocks around parks like E.A.R.T.H. Park and Sparkman Park was a simple way to spread positivity throughout Hartselle.”
— Jesi Livingston, President of the Kiwanis Club of Hartselle
“The kindness rocks project is a small but meaningful way for Key Club members to thank the Kiwanis clubs that mentor and communities that support them. Our students wanted to create something that would continue spreading encouragement long after the event.”
— William Ellard, Alabama Key Club lieutenant governor
“Key Club is all about leadership through service. Projects like this show how even a small act of kindness can brighten someone's day and connect our communities.”
— Lauren Blankenship, Key Club Division 3 lieutenant governor
What’s next
Organizers say they hope the 'Kindness Rocks' will continue to be discovered and shared by Hartselle residents in the coming weeks and months.
The takeaway
This student-led 'Kindness Rocks' project demonstrates the power of youth leadership and the positive impact that simple acts of kindness can have on a community. By spreading these painted rocks throughout Hartselle's parks, the Kiwanis Club and Key Club members are inspiring residents to connect with one another and spread more positivity.
