GARDNER, Mass. -- Acts of hate in three towns have spurred an outpouring of kindness and support.

Vile graffiti stained several churches on the holiest weekend of the year, and police said the timing was no coincidence.

NewsCenter 5’s Lynn Jolicoeur reported members of the community in Gardner and even total strangers came forward to help in the healing process.

“It’s Easter and I wouldn’t want my kids looking at this,” said Kenneth Peters. “This one here said ‘Jesus is dead’ with an upside-down cross.”

Peters, a South Shore power-washer, hit the road to volunteer his services in the cleanup. On Friday, members and staff of six Gardner churches and two in nearby towns found their houses of worship desecrated with graffiti.

“It’s either hate, or young kids who don’t have any religion,” said church member Doreene Wilson.

“When I first saw it and everything, the first thing that came to my mind was anger,” said church janitor Les Whitney. “I think it takes somebody sick to do something like this.”

The Gardner Knights of Columbus put up a $1,000 reward for information leading police to the vandal or vandals.

“Even if it causes the person to turn themselves in because they’re more afraid of being caught because there is a reward being offered,” said Brian Bourgeios, from the Gardner Knights of Columbus.

Black spray paint was used in all of the incidents, and it appears from the writing style used that a lone person is responsible for all of the incidents.

Police said they do have some leads in the case.