Brooklyn in front of her Caterpillar of Kindness sign. —Allison Roberts 
Decorated rocks spread in the shape of a heart. —Allison Roberts 
Brooklyn stands in front of the long line of rocks decorated with kindness. —Allison Roberts 
A few of the many decorated rocks. —Allison Roberts 
Fun messages, including “ice cream” left by various community members. —Allison Roberts 
Brooklyn sharing the love. —Lori Hagan 
A community member stops to decorate a rock. —Lori Hagan
There must be a million ways to spread positivity and love. You can paint a colorful mural with words of encouragement, send handwritten letters to friends and loved ones, take someone out for tea and a blueberry muffin, or leave little paper hearts all over your house for your partner and/or family members to find. Although doing these things may seem corny, small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
8-year-old Brooklyn Jackson has found her own way to spread positivity by creating a Caterpillar of Kindness. “We looked online for special ideas, and then I wanted to do the caterpillar and make people happy,” Brooklyn said.
Creating a rock caterpillar does more than just look cute. It brings people together, shows how small, individual contributions add up to something big, brightens the neighborhood, boosts happiness, and encourages empathy — one rock at a time.
Brooklyn’s Caterpillar of Kindness began as a family affair. “The whole family did rock,” she said. “I did two, and we started off with six. I did the head of the caterpillar.”
It wasn’t long before other people began adding to Brooklyn’s Kindness Caterpillar. “Our neighbors started adding on, and then more people joined in,” Brooklyn’s mom, Lori Hagan said. “The first few weeks we’d all run out there every morning to see what people had done. We’re up to more than 200 rocks now.”
Brooklyn and family created a sign at the head of the caterpillar, inviting folks to participate. “Please help our caterpillar grow … Use ours or BYO rock. Kindness Matters.” Some of the messages on the rocks include: “Love will conquer all,” “Gratitude is the best attitude,” “You Rock,” “Thank you Brooklyn,” and much more. One couple was getting married on the Island and added their “Getting Married” rock to the caterpillar.
The rocks cover a lot of territory, starting at the base of Brooklyn’s yard, and snaking quite a way down the sidewalk. Some of the rocks are even lined up to form a heart. “The rocks go as soon as we put them out there,” Hagan said. “People are also bringing some of their own to add in.”
Brooklyn and her family set markers, paint, and chalk out for anyone who would like to add their piece of art and/or words of positivity to the ever-growing Caterpillar of Kindness. Brooklyn and family hope the community will help not only increase the length of the caterpillar, but also take some time to spread a little love.
If you would like to add to the Caterpillar of Kindness, it can be found at 484 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, through the fall.
