Do You Ever Give Money To Panhandlers

[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.

[Ginger's Mom]

I used to, but not any more. I wouldn't mind being "tricked" by someone who has the money or ability to work. But I would mind contributing to habits or vices that keep a person down, and that is what I am afraid would happen. Giving someone on the street food is fine, but giving them a way to remain there is not.

[Glacier]

I do, but only if they are doing something. There is an old guy here who sits on a corner regularly and picks his guitar. He is not a good guitar player, but he's trying to do something! I always throw a couple bucks in his cup.

When I lived in Calgary, there was a newspaper that homeless people could sell. Instead of asking for money, you could buy a paper for whatever amount you felt like giving. I had a favorite young man I always bought mine from. Depending on my own financial situation at the time, I often overpaid alot for that paper!

[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.