Hotei, or Laughing Buddha, is the patron of the weak, poor and children. He is a wandering monk who goes around the world taking sadness away from people and giving them gifts. Hotei is often depicted carrying a bag or an object. Each object symbolizes a specific gift such as happiness, joy, wealth or good fortune.
I imagine that these days Hotei have their hands full what with the world being the mess it is. I like to fashion structures for them to seek refuge, rest their feet, recharge their batteries and restock their gifts.