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While I have given sometimes, most of the time I do not. Primarily because it enables the person to maintain their current lifestyle rather than seeking help from charities or government entities. The charity/government route usually comes with strings attached so those who want to remain dependant can't so they don't go. My hope is that by denying them on the direct route (panhandling), they will make use of the numerous services I already funded through my charitable giving and taxes.
When traveling, we always get doggie bags at the restaurants with plasticware. We are very careful about segregating what we intend to eat from what we intend to give away before we start eating. Invariably, we have the opportunity to give a decent meal to someone who really needs it instead of letting it get thrown out. I've fed quite a few people doing this over the years. No one has ever been offended or turned it down and at least I know my money is going to feeding them and not their habit.
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Gives a man a halo, does mead.
"Here lies The_Jazz: Killed by an ambitious, sparkly, pink butterfly."
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