WATERFORD, N.Y. -- Dozens of rocks are hidden in unexpected places around Waterford, carrying the simple message of "be kind."

The idea honors the memory of 14-year-old Anthony Blaauboer, who embodied that message before he died earlier this month. 

The organizer of the initiative says she found a rock painted with a kind message on it last week and got the idea to expand it in her community. 

Since then, it’s grown to include a lot more kids painting rocks and hiding them all over.

"Moments after, I instantly thought of Anthony, who was always wanting to spread kindness and his love for treasure hunting,” said Jackie Prock, who came up with the idea.

Once the rock is found, it can be kept, shared or re-hid. Many of them can be found at parks and in neighborhoods.