[robc]

I've expressed the same feelings myself when walking by/driving by someone asking for charity, they'll just use it for booze or drugs. Where did this impulse come from to reject poor people, when did charity become so repulsive?

I've tried to do better recently and I feel better because of it. When I go grocery shopping I always use debit or credit card, I never carry cash anymore and when leaving the store with bags in my hands, I see an individual asking people (including myself) for spare change in the parking lot. I've always had that urge to pretend that person doesn't exist but the sad thing is he does exist and many other people just like him trying to get by. Lately whenever I get back to my car and drop off my groceries I search the vehicle for whatever spare change I have and walk back to give to that person who was asking for some help.

Even if only 1 out of the so many people I gave change to used it for something good, the effort was worth it because that person actually did need it. I've been thinking about it lately, maybe next time a person asks for spare change, I will offer to buy them a sandwich and a drink to fill their belly instead of offering them some pocket change. It's a terrible feeling to be hungry and not have anything to eat, if someone were to accept that offer I would feel even better.

That story really did make me think, I'm sure there are alot of people out there with similar thoughts.