See How This Hillsborough Mom Is Turning Rocks Into Inspiration

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — You might have noticed painted rocks sprouting up all over Hillsborough. You can thank a Hillsborough local and mom for starting up a community-building group called Hillsborough Rocks!

The group was started on July 4 and already has about 500 people. The purpose is for local residents to paint rocks of any size and leave them around Hillsborough. The rocks started with cute pictures or an inspirational saying to lift up people’s spirits.

“It started as cognitive messages to make someone smile and make their day brighter,” Lauren Franco said. “For example I saw one that had a cloud and a rainbow that said, ‘Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.’ “

Now the rocks have grown to promote local businesses and even the police department has gotten involved with hiding rocks. Franco says the rocks get people out looking around town and discovering parts of Hillsborough they have never seen before.

On the back of each rock is painted #HillsboroughRocks. When you find one you can take it home and replace it with your own painted rock. Put it back or hide it somewhere new. Locals are also encouraged to take photos of the rocks they find and post it in the Hillsborough Rocks! Facebook group.

Franco got the idea for this group when she visited a friend in northern New Jersey who had a similar group. She loved the idea and has brought it to Hillsborough.

“It’s the most genuine fun I’ve had with my kids and friends in years,” Franco said. “It’s the smallest thing to paint a rock and hide it. But it can bring awareness to local causes and business in town.”

The Belle Mead Co-Op is a sponsor of the rock initiative as they are donating rocks to the town. Residents are welcomed to come to the Co-Op and pick some rocks from the bins in the back.

Hillsborough Gymboree also got on board where if you find one of their rocks and bring it back you can get a prize or discount.

“This is a way for those to give back to the community without getting anything in return,” Franco said.

To learn more about Hillsborough Rocks or to participate as a business email hillsborughrocksnj@gmail.com. To join the Hillsborough Rocks! Facbook group CLICK HERE.

There will also be a Rock Painting Party on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Mission Cognition at 856 Highway 206, Building B Suite 9 in Hillsborough.

(Images provided: Franco's children with Hillsborough Rocks they have found).

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