Every day, 6-year-old Rowan Sacco eagerly checks for new donations at the rock garden in front of his family's home. The garden, encircling a tree on East Avenue, is adorned with rocks painted by Rowan, his friends, and family.
This heartwarming project is meant to show support for Rowan's father, Sam, who is currently deployed overseas in Iraq. Rowan's goal is to fill the entire garden.
The Sacco family turned to painting rocks as a way to help Rowan cope with his father's absence, which was an activity they had previously enjoyed during the pandemic to decorate their home and community. Rowan's mother said it's something that makes him smile.
The family plans to have all the rocks on full display for Sam to see when he returns home at the end of the year. The rock painting project began last month and the garden now boasts over 30 rocks adorned with various designs. Soon, Rowan's kindergarten classmates at Roy B. Kelley Elementary School will contribute their own painted rocks to the garden.
Donations of painted rocks can be placed directly at the Sacco family garden on East Avenue located between Pound and Vine streets. The community is encouraged to participate in this heartwarming project - showing support for Rowan and his father's service.
The rock garden serves as a symbol of love, unity, and encouragement for the Sacco family and especially for Rowan who misses his father. It is a testament to the power of creativity and community coming together to bring joy to a young boy.
6-Year-Old Boy's Rock Garden Grows in Support of Deployed Father