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Rarely would I give money to a panhandler. I have previously given a bit of change to someone who stated a specific need. "I am a dime short for the bus." No problem. Unfortunately I have seen so many false beggers it is pathetic. I have seen those with the "will work for food" signs that have been offered rides to the food shelf or some little chore at the local church and turn them down. Most memorable to me was on my trip to Washington. While in Tacoma there were so many beggers it was disgusting. What disgusted me further was that on one early morning coffee run from my hotel I actually witnessed "beggers" getting into their roles. Taking off their shoes and hiding them, picking up dirt from the streets and sidewalks and rubbing it on their face and clothes to be more believable in their performances.
I should add that in the downtown areas near my home there are multiple places for people to obtain food. Shelter can be difficult, there are usually lotteries for a warm bed in the winter but food is really no problem. I would prefer to donate my money to the food shelf or those other organizations and no that my well-earned money is going to serve those with real needs.
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I am only a little spoon in a huge world of soup.
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