Heart Hunters in the QC

I've always known the hearts of those living in the Quad Cities are generous and creative. The Heart Hunters project has taken off here and, frankly, it's warmed my heart.

What is Heart Hunters?

It started with a woman in Galesburg challenging people to put a heart in their front window so when kids go on a walk or step outside for some fresh air during this COVID-19 pandemic, they could see the hearts and be inspired. She says, “It's simple, it's free, it's fun for the kids, and there's no direct contact, but it can show the kids that everyone is still connected and cares.” It has cheered the hearts of more than just children.

How do you do it?

Take whatever type of material you have and make a heart or collection of hearts. Put it up in a window or on a door or wherever others will see and enjoy your creation. The range of talent and creativity is vast from large scale murals to single simple construction hearts.

The Verscha Family of Rock Island posted this lovely Care Bear Stare. As a true product of the 80s, I love this so much. The Care Bear Stare can heal people and objects. What could be more perfect right now?

Post in the Heart Hunters Facebook group

If you are on Facebook, join the Heart Hunters Facebook Group where you'll see hearts from all over the country and world, get ideas, and can share your own creation.  There are hundreds of thousands of people in the group.  It's heartwarming just looking at people's creations there.

Hunt for Hearts

My four boys and I spent 2 hours driving around Rock Island looking for hearts one afternoon. One kept track of how many houses we spotted. One took pictures with a “fancy” camera (a digital one with a zoom that wasn't a phone). Two others were eagle eye spotters shouting, “Hearts! I see hearts!” We found more than 100 houses and had so much fun.

Other fun ideas

Bear Hunt: Neighbors are putting stuffed bears or bear cutouts in various places on their property. Based on the book “Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, children are inspired to take their binoculars and head out to find some bears.

The Hixon Family of Rock Island is all in on the bear hunt! You'll have to search for yourself to see the other cute ones they have in their windows.

Easter Egg Hunt: Some cities challenged people to put decorated eggs in their windows so kids can search for them in preparation for Easter.