Thought provoking post

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Saw this over at Dooce and thought that if I needed to hear it right now someone else may also

The rhetorical question | dooce ®

[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.

[Jim11]

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.

hey Rob,

I think that is a good idea. The grocery store is the perfect opportunity to give them food instead of change. When people ask for a handout near the grocery store I just put together a food package for them based on what I purchased. The last guy got:
1 banana, 1 apple, 3 pieces of plain bread, one of my daughter's juice boxes, small halloween chocolate bar.

I usually just say. "want some lunch?" and if they nod then I just drop off the bag.

not exactly a gourmet meal, but if they're hungry they'll eat it. Rarely do they not dig in right away.

I also keep bottled water in the trunk most of the year (definitely when it's hot) for this exact reason. 1 or 2 bottles of my $2.99 30 pack of water I can spare. A much more satisfying 10-20c

I firmly believe in not giving these people cash, but also that I should do something for them.

[forynav]

The greatest charity you can give is your time.