How do you treat a pan handler?

[doodlebug 3]

I don't give them anything in the US BUT I have asked my husband to give one beggar a day in Cairo at least a couple of pounds for me from now until he gets here. That way I know for a FACT they need it and it will go to a good cause.

Here there is a huge scam with pan handlers going on so you just don't know who to trust and who not to. It's a darn shame too.

[Peikko 1,575]

What kind of scam would that be then? They are all high rollers who are out scamming the unsuspecting over lunch? You guys really do worry too much...

[chri'stina 190]

If they are holding a sign like "will work for food" I'd rather go through a drive through and buy them a meal instead of give money. Though they really want money, as once we brought someone food and they set it aside hidden and kept holding the sign.

I do give money to others sometimes, and agree with Kathryn that it is given with no strings attached. I used to have the attitude that you should never give money since they'll buy drugs or alcohol, but a couple years ago I started feeling like I should give money anyway. What they do with it is on their conscious, not mine. It is just meant to give sometimes.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I actually do give a dollar or so. I figure I can spare it and am thankful that I can. Once it leaves my hands it is theirs to use or abuse. The gift comes with no strings.

Kathryn,

Wise words.- Besides, it is indeed yours to give. *hugs*

Peace, L.

[Ban Hammer 14,269]

If they are holding a sign like "will work for food" I'd rather go through a drive through and buy them a meal instead of give money. Though they really want money, as once we brought someone food and they set it aside hidden and kept holding the sign.

I do give money to others sometimes, and agree with Kathryn that it is given with no strings attached. I used to have the attitude that you should never give money since they'll buy drugs or alcohol, but a couple years ago I started feeling like I should give money anyway. What they do with it is on their conscious, not mine. It is just meant to give sometimes.

how about this sign?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

ask if they take visa

Be careful, they just might.

[Emancipation 2]

At home I tried to have Timmy's Gift Certificates on hand... that way they could get a meal or a coffee (what they say they want the change for back home)

[Ban Hammer 14,269]

ask if they take visa

Be careful, they just might.

:D :D :D cause i have mc

Edited August 29, 2007 by charlesandnessa

[Clarky and Tarah 0]

I live in a really small town and very seldomly see anyone panhandling. Every now and then there are people standing by the Interstate wanting rides, but not very many with "will work for food" signs. I do remember once when I was little I was sitting in the car at a gas station while my mom paid for her gas and I saw my first homeless man. He had one of those signs and I felt terrible, so I grabbed a loaf of bread out of one of the bags of groceries me and my mom had gotten earlier and brought it over to him. My mom came out of the gas station to find me handing over a loaf of bread to the homeless man. She was quick to pull me back to the car and give me the "strangers" talk all the way home, but the guy seemed to appreciate the bread.

I rarely carry cash on me now, so unless they did take credit cards I'd probably buy them something to eat.

[mawilson 2,133]

Throw a pan at them -- see if they can handle it.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

No. you have them work for you, then you tell them that makes up for the public assistance they just took.

Hell if they can write they can fill out a application.

Edited August 29, 2007 by CarolsMarc

[Peikko 1,575]

That would be 'an application'. Anger management classes?

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

That would be 'an application'. Anger management classes?

What a concept. State run anger management classes.

[Peikko 1,575]

Don't they do that already? Maybe I watch too much 'Becker'...

[Jasman0717 9]

I ignore them but Claudeth usually gives them money