Do You Ever Give Money To Panhandlers

[caseysmom]

There's a homeless guy that sits outside one of the grocery stores around here. I buy him dinner and he gladly accepts the food. The clerks in the store say he won't accept money. He is truly down on his luck, even went to college and is trying to save up money to move back east where he is from. She said he had a lot of problems with his family but he is always very nice and has never once asked for anything from us.

[JenBKR]

Bobs dad - you are so right. The acts of charity are done out of the kindness of your heart, and I guess we should trust that the money is being used for good. What's scary is how easy it is for someone to end up on the streets. So many people live paycheck to paycheck, if one little thing happens they can loose everything. So sad.....

[jackie]

No, the last time I gave a guy money in Vancouver, he turned around and bought crack, right in front of my eyes. Never again.

Now when I am home for Christmas, I usually toss a few granola bars or oranges in my purse, but I will never give out cash.

[BOBS DAD]

No, the last time I gave a guy money in Vancouver, he turned around and bought crack, right in front of my eyes. Never again.

Now when I am home for Christmas, I usually toss a few granola bars or oranges in my purse, but I will never give out cash.

WOW... that would be a real turnoff I agree.

Where is Gran Canaria. My daughter, Sarah is in Spain and will be until Wednesday. I guess she has been in Barcelonia, Madrid and somewhere now - I don't exactly know.

Has she been around your neck of the woods??? Her name is Sarah... I'm sure you would remember if you saw her - she's the one with the IPOD!!! LOL!!!

[elizabethann]

No.

[BOBS DAD]

No.

ELIZABETH!!!!!! My... you are being rather outspoken and extremely "wordy" this AM! LOL!!!

[elizabethann]

ELIZABETH!!!!!! My... you are being rather outspoken and extremely "wordy" this AM! LOL!!!

Sorry. But I just don't give money to panhandlers. I don't even give money to the bell ringers outside of stores at Christmas time (I'm probably going to hell for that one).

I will, however, contribute to the local soup kitchen and have volunteered there on many occasions.

[sparks19]

I don't. Usually because I never have cash. but There was one corner where I used to live and there would be a different guy there every week with a sign that says homeless and hungry please help and they were dressed better than I was. I saw a guy with brand new Nike shoes on, a columbia jacket, Nice new looking jeans, he was clean shaven and his hair was clean and trimmed. I just CAN'T bring myself to believe that this person needs food. perhaps they could have bought cheaper shoes or a cheaper jacket. I mean I can't even afford that stuff but I am not out on a street corner asking for food.

They did a news story about panhandlers and how much money they make on average. I don't know how reliable it was because... well... it's the news lol but it was more than I make in a week.