Gifts being left at homeless Jesus statue at Buffalo church
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The unveiling of a statue depicting a homeless Jesus sleeping on a park bench in downtown Buffalo has prompted people to leave money, food and other items at the bronze sculpture.
The statue was unveiled last Tuesday outside St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, which raised money for the public art project through private donations. The work by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz shows a blanket-shrouded Jesus, identifiable only by the crucifixion wounds on his feet.
Soon after its unveiling, offerings apparently meant for Buffalo’s homeless began showing up on the statue.
Church members and clergy say the items have included money, food, books, a Buffalo Bills cap and a scarf. The church collects the items each day and donates them to a local organization that helps the homeless.