Every now and then we will see people with signs on the side of the road saying "Will work for food" or whatever. Well, rather than give them money (in case it's for drugs or alcohol) I always go to Mc Donald's or something and buy a meal, and then stop at a gas station and buy some cheese crackers and bottled water and take back to them. If they have a dog with them (most do) I will buy an extra bottle of water and get a bowl or wide mouthed cup for the dog to drink from.

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That is so nice. I always feel bad not giving them money, but this is a great solution. Do you ever get bad reactions from it? Like someone who really is there just for money?

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Mom to Kaylee (10/2006)
Waiting on our second bundle of joy to arrive January 2009!

actually, and luckily, no...

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Do you live in an urban area or rural? I know that might seem like a weird ? but now I will tell you why.
We llive in a suburb between Tacoma and Seattle. Panhandling is illegal in both cities but most suburban areas don't have that law. So they had an article in the paper how people RENT their spot on intersection corners to people from these 2 fine cities.
No joke they interviewed a man from Tacoma who commutes here in his car to panhandle on one of the streets that is 2 blocks from my dd's high school.
The fighting in Seattle over intersection corners is what brought about the law.
Yes people were fighting over corners and they can make more on a corner then I can make at an 8 hour day at my 2nd job where I am paid min. wage. Tacoma prosecutes I am not sure about Seattle. But there is now way to tell who isn't make a decent income doing this. I prefer to make donations to the local food banks.
I don't mean to sound mean or tear down your pay if forward I know things are different in different parts of the country so maybe this is a NW thing

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Karen

We have people who make a living at pan handleing. THey live in nice homes and drive decent cars. Its sad really becuase they make it hard for people to want to help those who really need it. I prefer to give to the homeless shelter. But I think is sweet that southen belle mommie is kind enough to over look that and give anyways!

Yes I agree that it is nice that she overlooks that an d gives anyway.
I am sorry I think I was just being cranky this afternoon and I shouldn't have posted when I was in this mood!
I just assumed it was something that happened in the NW because there has been a lot of stories on tv and newspaper. It really takes a big heart to do what you do!

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Karen

lol.. nothing to be sorry for. I'm from a little town in Alabama, and that's where I did all my feeding. Now I live in Atlanta and don't ever go into the actual city, and there haven't been any in the county I live in.

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I was thinking the same thing but I am in the larger cities and our local TV station just did a story on this. the people the followed had a nice house. and yes many people gave them bags of groceries and food. I forgot how much money they got.
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox...Y&pageId=1.1.1
with that said: I always give with the intention of giving. I am not concerned about the other end so to speak.
allgirls

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allgirls, mom to 3 girls

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time