I was walking out of the store today and a young woman looking hard on her luck asked me for gas money, I thought she really needed it so I scrounged up $5 for her. I walked to my car and she proceeded to beg from others (no luck). My curiousity got the best of me while I was strapping my baby in so when I left I followed her (we only have 3 gas stations in my town). The ***** ended up at the local indian casino and there's only 3 things there she could be spending money on (gambling,cheap cigarettes, or a quick "fix" if ya know what I mean) . I should have went in there and told her off but I didnt. Am I wrong now to feel so burned that unless it's the Salvation Army pot I don't want help another person on the street in need?
2006-12-18 16:25:09 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
no , i don't blame you. just last week i loaned a student some money and then later she came over crying and all hysterical saying she would have to pay me back next year as she was going to quit studying. anyway, just today i ran into her and realized it was all a big show so she wouldn't have to pay me back. i'm with you, only the salvation army pot.
2006-12-18 16:41:16 · answer #1 · answered by Annmaree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many panhandlers out there that find it far more profitable to beg than to work.
Charitable giving should be done carefully. There are rating agencies that investigate charities. Many are simply money making operations that donate a penny on the dollar to charity work.
The Salvation Army is good as is the Red Cross. Even these have problems occasionally. Habitat for Humanity is also good about keeping solicitation expenses low in proportion to the actual money used for good works.
2006-12-19 00:30:20 · answer #2 · answered by valcus43 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately some make a career out of panhandling. In general just say "NO". You will know when to give $ to the right person! You know your limits and budget! It's OK to say NO!! Or say nothing and move on... You don't have to answer to anyone else but yourself!
The ones who have a "story" are the ones scamming. I give money to this one guy on a regular basis. I know he doesn't use it for food sometimes... he smokes and he may even drink. But I see that he is stuck in the crazy loop of being on the street and cold and homeless... I just see something in him... I brought him pants... I see now that he is wearing them... It's a small thing.. But that is the spirit in which you give... When you give, give it freely, and use your discretion. Be selective.
Volunteering is also a great way to give... that way when I say NO to people that hava a "story", I know that I am already doing good things... and have no guilt!
It dosn't matter what they do with the money... You did a good thing and shouldn't feel bad.
2006-12-19 02:13:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry that happened! There are so many out there that live only for what they want, and don't care who they get the wherewithal from. I understand your frustration. I would feel the same. One of my friends keeps McD gift certificates for people begging money for food, even these could be sold for $.50 on the $1, for other uses. One show on TV showed people doing that with WIC and other government food money for drugs, etc. It sure is frustrating to want to help someone, and instead you find that they used your help for their (and society's) ill. One option is to give through your church. Sometimes there are people who are having a particularly bad time, and they will ask the church for help. Sometimes they will buy groceries, or pay a bill etc., that way the money they gave went to a need.
God bless you for your willingness to share with others.
2006-12-19 00:41:30 · answer #4 · answered by Bre 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is why people have stopped giving to people on the streets cause of this very reason and we feel sorry for them and we are the ones they laugh at. I do not give to them this way, not good all the time cause you can become a target for them to rob you or something. I do not blame you for getting angry.
2006-12-19 03:04:28 · answer #5 · answered by JoJoBa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You doing good god will know. She doing bad god also know.
End of the day, people will get what they are doing, continue to help people, it is ok event they used it for others thing beause god know.
but next round you have to be a bit smart donate only to big agency that need real help. That is a lot in the society, eg www.unicef.org . help them. they need it.
2006-12-19 01:59:19 · answer #6 · answered by melvinsyc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋