Do you give to panhandlers?

Question

I love to give, when it's not asked for.
I feel that I'm a very giving person.
I don't expect anything in return.
I'm not necessarily talking about homeless on the streets.
Panhandlers are everywhere, at the grocery store and even in Y!A.
It bugs me when I go to the grocery store and the cheerleader squad is out there begging/asking for money for this or that, uniforms or whatever.
I wouldn't mind if they would at least try to sell something and raise money that way, but to just outright beg for it...
And also some people in Y!A, asking/begging for stars, just because they want some. or begging for a best answer.
I've worked hard for everything I have, which isn't that much, since I was 14, I'm 54 now and still working for what I want and have.
Sorry to rant, but just wanted to get it off my chest.

So tell me, do you give?

Answer 1

I give freely as much as I can, but to those who come up to me with a bogas story it makes my blood boil...I do open my house to foster children and I give food to the needy but never money...since usually most street folks will turn it into drugs..but I would be happy to buy them dinner! I have bought diapers for babies and given fruit and cheese and blankets to the elderly folks on the street but for money NO WAY...unless my heart says to!

As of the cheer squad...they are probably needing the money for a competition Since the government has cut the money for many schools begging is really the only thing that they can do! I know my daughter was in colorguard/winterguard where the program cost 1500.00 per semester...and that was hard to raise but we did it....and they reaped their rewards by winning Gold. So don't be upset if some school organization requests money their funds have been cut....My son also was in speech and debate....we begged borrowed and did what we could so he could participate in a Chicago comp and we live in California....it was hard! Be understanding of the school kids, their parents don't have millions and school stuff is expensive!

I agree I have worked hard for all that I have and it does bug when people ask but we have to have a generous heart what goes around comes around! Peace! I hope I didn't offend you! Have a great day!

Answer 2

I am right with you with this whole thing. The cheerleading thing.....I don't mind if they are doing something for it..like having a carwash or something but if they are just standing out there like santa with his bell they aren't getting anything from me. I do give to santa though to help with kids that don't get anything for Christmas. Now when it comes to the people who stand in front of wal-mart with a feed me sign I don't give. I saw an episode of dateline where this guy did that then they showed him throw the sign away and get into a suburban...he had more money than I do...that ticked me off. I'm 27 and am working third shift I have two kids ages 2 and 3 and I'm going to night classes before I go to work so I am having to work me @$$ off to get ahead and give my kids what they deserve..which is better than what i had growing up. Preach on brotha.

Answer 3

I don't give money to panhandlers. It depends on what the cause is for as well. I hate it when the school sends home stuff for my son to sell, I would much rather just write a check for a 100 dollars and be done with it instead of having to ask my family and friends to buy something. Just so he can get some cheap stupid prize, I hate that!

Answer 4

I love to give. I'm young still, but I always give people things. I use to give people small flower bouquets from outside just for the fun of it. Or pictures too. When I visited my relatives, I would make pictures and give it to them. Now that I have a job I can actually BUY some things, but still, I do.

I have although never seen someone beg for stars. That's sad. If that's the one thing that drives them--to get stars from Yahoo Answers that's not okay.

Something went wrong! It's good to see people like you (and I suppose me too). Maybe there is a small glimmer of hope somewhere. :0)

Kisk

Answer 5

I'm afraid so. I don't like people who solicit me at my home, but if I have an opportunity to give something.to someone less fortunate, I don't have a problem with that.

I really don't like being solicited on corners when I'm stopped at a red light either.

Stars are free. I don't understand why so many people want them. They aren't worth anything, but if it makes them happy, why not.

I've worked hard for everything I have too. You're right about teens just asking for money. They should at least try to do something to earn it, like a car wash or something.

Answer 6

I don't give to fund raisers but when I do give to pan handlers, I don't give much. I've learned that most of the time if I offer to buy them something like cigarettes or a meal, they turn me down. So I figure, a little of my pocket change can help a little with what they are begging for money for.

Answer 7

I have given coats to people on the streets in the winter that didn't ask, and toys to kids at random when I know they are poor, (school bus) but when I am walking into a place to shop and people are asking for cigarettes or "spare change" that bothers me and I tell them no but I know where they can get a job. and I start telling them where i have seen help wanted signs and they turn and walk away!

Answer 8

Sometimes i do; depending what kind of mood i'm in and how much change i have in my pocket.

I like to give more to charitable organazations like the Humane Society though, versus some Boyscout trying to sell me an overpriced candy bar.

And by experience i know if you give to one homeless person, the rest of them flock to you like pigeons.

Answer 9

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
It depends on the situation (or the sign they are holding up!)

I like to donate directly to the Red Cross or Habitat for Humanity

Answer 10

Yes. I've always been a sucker for a sad story and there a million of them in the naked city.