For those that hand out money...I KNOW it's done from the heart and I know it brings about a feeling of satisfaction or warmth thinking you have helped someone. Problem is, more likely than not that money is not used in a good way. There are better ways to give and I urge people to look into those alternate ways.

 

I don't do it all the time, but if I have cash on me, I typically will give them a few bucks.

 

The times I do give the money, I don't really care what they use it for. If they're asking, and I have it, I give it. On the off-chance they really need the money, I've done good. If they're scamming me, oh well, I didn't need the money anyways.

I have put gas in a couple of peoples cars who asked me if I could loan them some gas money, didn't give them cash used my card, so I guess they truly needed gas. Had another guy drive off when asking for gas money and I pointed him to the gas station and told him to meet me there. I guess he just wanted the money for something else.

 

I have given people money a few times in the past, but no longer. There are other ways to give where you can ensure your money is being used in a good/proper way. Your local church is one way to give. There are also charitable local organizations (in most areas) that help those in needed locally. Local food pantries/shelters are always in need...not just money but volunteer services as well.

 

We have people stop by my small church quite frequently asking for money to help pay electric bill, water bill, etc. At one time money would be handed out on request, but no longer. Now, when people stop and ask for money and they are asked to provide an address, a bill, the church will write a check to the electric/water company, etc., that offer is turned down, they want cash. Guess what? That money was never going to be used in the way they were leading on.

 

For those that hand out money...I KNOW it's done from the heart and I know it brings about a feeling of satisfaction or warmth thinking you have helped someone. Problem is, more likely than not that money is not used in a good way. There are better ways to give and I urge people to look into those alternate ways.

 

There are lots of ways to help. And lots of reasons people seek help in whatever manners they do. Just because one gives money ditectly to panhandlers doesn't mean they don't give money, time and/or talent to those organizations as well. Again, I'm not disputing or arguing for my decision as much as I am just saying, don't put down people who do give directly.

Asking for gas money is just another form of panhandling. It can be scary when a strange man approaches you in a parking lot or gas station.

 

Tell me about it. (Thanks grandpa that had my back that day)

And, to add; My longtime girlfriends youngest daughter has 4 kids...2 youngest (1 yo and a baby) by a drug using loser who is currently in jail. Her middle daughter has a little girl almost 4 yo, and another one due in about 3 weeks. The 4 yo has a father that has not seen her since before she was 1 yo, and is on the street somewhere strung out on drugs, and no grandparents on the fathers side that are involved at all. Her almost due child's father is currently in jail for not meeting the requirements of his 2nd go around with drug court and wasn't working when he was arrested.

 

Yes, the girls haven't been very wise so far in their young lives in their relationships and the men they have chosen. But nothing can be done about that now.

 

Point is, I have kids and grand kids (though they aren't mine by blood, they are mine never the less) that need as much, and maybe even more help than many on the street asking for money. At this time, that's where my priorities lie. Heck, if you want to help someone out, I could use the help helping them!:thumb:

The lovely lady and I really struggle with this. She more than I do. If there is a kid with them, man that one is difficult for us. As a general rule we do not give to panhandlers, even those with a kid (believe me again that is hard and we do second guess ourselves). We live in the urban core and provide to those organizations and folks that we know that need it.

 

There are too many local organizations that do so much good that is where we give. But occasionally we just can't help it and slip them some.

 

The gas station thing, for some reason, ticks me off and I do not give them anything. I stare them down usually and tell them to get on their way.

I don't do it all the time, but if I have cash on me, I typically will give them a few bucks.

 

The times I do give the money, I don't really care what they use it for. If they're asking, and I have it, I give it. On the off-chance they really need the money, I've done good. If they're scamming me, oh well, I didn't need the money anyways.

 

I feel the same way, hopefully it goes to good but I'm not worried about it. A couple bucks here or there isn't going to change my life, but it might change theirs.

And, to add; My longtime girlfriends youngest daughter has 4 kids...2 youngest (1 yo and a baby) by a drug using loser who is currently in jail. Her middle daughter has a little girl almost 4 yo, and another one due in about 3 weeks. The 4 yo has a father that has not seen her since before she was 1 yo, and is on the street somewhere strung out on drugs, and no grandparents on the fathers side that are involved at all. Her almost due child's father is currently in jail for not meeting the requirements of his 2nd go around with drug court and wasn't working when he was arrested.

 

Yes, the girls haven't been very wise so far in their young lives in their relationships and the men they have chosen. But nothing can be done about that now.

 

Point is, I have kids and grand kids (though they aren't mine by blood, they are mine never the less) that need as much, and maybe even more help than many on the street asking for money. At this time, that's where my priorities lie. Heck, if you want to help someone out, I could use the help helping them!:thumb:

 

Thats the way I am, If I am going to give money away that will never be returned, Id rather give it to someone I know that needs it.

Thats the way I am, If I am going to give money away that will never be returned, Id rather give it to someone I know that needs it.

 

Groceries, gas, stuff for the kids, oil changes, car repair...it never ends. I'm almost to the point of either giving up coaching basketball in the fall/winter and getting a part time job, or making a sign and standing on the street myself.

Groceries, gas, stuff for the kids, oil changes, car repair...it never ends. I'm almost to the point of either giving up coaching basketball in the fall/winter and getting a part time job, or making a sign and standing on the street myself.

 

And if you did, isn't it nice to know there are a few people out there that would give you a buck or two, no questions asked?

I take almost the exact opposite view of RM. Shocking I know. I really believe that a majority of panhandlers are scamming people. For some reason the parking lot of the Kroger I shop at has recently become a hunting ground. One guy on 3 consecutive nights asked me for gas money as his car was empty. On the 3rd night I told him he needs to get his gas gauge fixed.

I'll give the guys playing music after a ballgame a buck or two. That's about it.

 

I'll give street performers money.

Someone gave him a $2 Bill, I've not seen one of those in years.

 

FWIW, No I don't give money to Panhandlers.

 

It's not the point of this thread, but randomly, I have a $2 bill with me at all times. I long ago decided it was "lucky", and have carried it with me for well over a decade. Long enough I forget it's there from time to time.

It's not the point of this thread, but randomly, I have a $2 bill with me at all times. I long ago decided it was "lucky", and have carried it with me for well over a decade. Long enough I forget it's there from time to time.

 

I had an uncle that gave me one every time he saw me, he lived out of state. I probably had 50 of them and somewhere along the way they disappeared...I'll just leave it at that.

A personal example.

 

My girlfriends oldest brother, Jeff, who was hit and killed by a car in California just a few weeks ago, I believe panhandled, how much I don't know. Jeff had no job as he couldn't work; a combination of drugs in his early life coupled with I believe some mental illness had left him somewhat dependent and mentally incapable of holding down a job, drive, etc. He essentially was dependent on the state, lived in approved homes paid for by I believe SSI and/or other government sources. He was a sweet, meek guy but in no way could he manage money. What money he was able to get he either spent it on cigarettes or alcohol. Even though Jeff wasn't necessarily trying to scam anyone as he really had little money to spend (his essentials were provided for), any money people gave Jeff didn't help him, and it could be argued actually hurt him.

I tell them to get a job. It is always funny if you watch some of them when they are done get in a nice car and drive off.