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[ktreas]

I have to admit that I am definitely guilty of doing that--I often feel bad that we are doing decent financially that it makes me feel good helping out someone else--My hubby refuses to help someone standing on a street or begging by a store--He says he works too hard for the money he makes and I am wondering if maybe I should look at these people in a different way.  (I read Paula's blog on panhandlers this morning  )
Anyone else guilty? 

[harleybabe]

I would not say guilty of it... but yes I have.

[eriemermaid]

I can't pass by a panhandler without giving.

[Paula Wethington]

I updated my post to link this thread.

http://www.blogsmonroe.com/budget/2009/06/just-say-no-to-panhandlers/

[MM1]

I used to give whatever loose change was in my pockets, but I now prefer to offer a meal at McDonalds or somewhere nearby instead of giving money.

It doesn't always happen, but I'm always surprised how many times the meal is turned down.   





Life is so hard sometimes.   

[the nosh]

a few times. if they look like they really needed it.

[Collegekid]

No, for the simple fact that I have known a few that didn't bother to work and actually made a better living doing that than I did at work.

I feel bad for the few honest ones out there, but too many crooks for me to take a shot in the dark. Instead I donate time and money to reputable charities.

[Aunt Lisa]

  If I have it I will give it. Problem is, not many people carry cash anymore. Checks, debt cards, and credit cards. Police may want to start cracking down on them now for their own safety. Why? Because it would be very wise NOT to approach me when I have my children with me.

[the nosh]

  If I have it I will give it. Problem is, not many people carry cash anymore. Checks, debt cards, and credit cards.

how about givin them those empty pop bottles rollin around in your car aunt lisa??? 

[Aunt Lisa]

  OMG, and give away my husband's beer money

[Aunt B]

good morning! 

Yes I am guilty of giving change to someone that looks like they need it.  But instead of money I will go to the nearest fast food joint and buy them a meal. That way I know my money isn't going for drugs or alcohol.




One Easter morning a few years back my son came home to tell me that he wouldn't be meeting with the rest of us later on that day because he had given his gas money away.  He had seen a man with a sign on Easter Sunday saying will work for food.  Son took his last $20 went into Kroger's and bought $20 worth of food and gave them to the man.  I asked my son what was the mans response and my son said the man couldn't thank him enough!!!  Some people that beg like that really do need it but you do have to be careful when sizing the person up.  If they are dressed fairly nice clean shaven etc don't give.  But we can usually tell when someone truly is in need and act accordingly if we can if not we ask God to help them.

You never know when that could be you.

[the nosh]

  OMG, and give away my husband's beer money

LOL well you gotta point there for sure!! 

[Mayonnaise]

Nope, I never have. I haven't even gave to one of the two men that holds the signs. Usually seen by Quantro's or by Ruby Tuesdays.

[MM1]

I can't help but interpret some very bitter feelings behind some of these posts.   


I think MOST are a paycheck or 3 away from facing homelessness ourselves.  (at least, that's what statistics say)

To say you WOULD give, but only if you felt they truly deserved your charity is quite a judgemental position to take. 

Give when you can . . . and don't when you can't (or won't)

But to take it upon yourself to decide who deserves your hand up and who isn't worthy of your charity is a bit rough. 

But, that's just my opinion. 

"Who is GUILTY of giving to a panhandler".

Maybe it's the word "Panhandler" vs. "Homeless".  Small difference?  Any difference?  No difference?

Boy, life is sure hard these days.   

[naomi43]

I don't know, to me it kinda feels like alot of those people have substance abuse problems; crack, alchol, meth. Thats why they want money and not a meal.