Man helping homeless has bike stolen

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - For the seventh year in a row, DJ Jickster of 97 Rock is sleeping in a trailer for a week while collecting donations for the Food Bank of Western New York.

So far, it appears a record number of food items will be donated.

Jickster said, "Every year we do better and better. The generosity is incredible, but every year the Food Bank needs more and more food. It's a sad fact but a true fact."

Jickster says sleeping in the trailer can be a grind on his body, but he stays active by riding a bike around the parking lot. But on Sunday around 11 o'clock, Jickster came to put the bike back inside the trailer for the night, and it was gone.

"I was more or less shocked," he said. "I was walking around thinking someone was playing a joke on me, but it's gone."

Jickster says that incident has brought more attention to the drive. Blue Cross Blue Shield also donated a new bike. The shop he originally purchased his bike from will also donate one, so one of the bikes will go to charity.

If you'd like to help, drop off your food or monetary donations 24/7 at Quaker Steak and Lube at 6727 Transit Road in Williamsville. You can also find other ways to help the Food Bank here.

Another Thanksgiving week tradition is Pastor Eric Johns becoming a member of Buffalo's homeless community. He spent his evening at the Friends of the Night People.

"This week has for the past 14 years just shine a light on the need that is in our community. And from that, we are planning on helping about 3,000 families with our Boxes of Love program that we'll give turkeys and food to 3,000 people and give gifts to 5,000 kids," Pastor Johns said.

He says each year is different but what stays the same is many times, people just need someone to talk to.

Pastor Johns said, "Just spending this week bringing encouragement to people is what we're all about."

Monday night, Pastor Johns is staying at Buffalo's City Mission. But for the next three nights he'll be sleeping under a local bridge. He also plans on making a trip to Lockport on Tuesday. But first will need to collect bottles and cans to purchase a bus ticket.

If you'd like to help Pastor Johns and the Buffalo Dream Center, find out how you can help here.