How do you react..... (page 2)

Gregor

I usually try to help. Strangely enough I was in the following situation just last night.

My wife had her gall bladder removed and I waited for 9 hours. Finally, at 9 pm, they released her and told me to bring the car around. It was pouring rain and there were two young women in the parking lot who waved me down. They needed a jump (there's a straight line for you jokers). I told them my situation and that I couldn't help. They were understanding but I really felt bad that I couldn't rescue them.

Who are you?

Last Christmas I got a strong urge to pay for someones groceries at the check out but I chickened out, feeling that I would be centered out and maybe offending the person. I know there's better ways, helping out in soup kitchens, giving to community services etc. Sometimes even a smile or a compliment can go a long way, making the person feeling some worth. It could be the only affirmation they get.

You raise a about three great points here. Treating people with dignity is important. I used to give money freely in a quick and hurried fashion, but now when I give money, I try to take the time and exchange a few words, make sure to look people in the eye and treat them with the respect that we all deserve. The other point that you make about giving to people who don't ask is equally important. I've done that in the checkout line as well. The other thing is when the single mother with kids is in front of you is watching their items getting rung up and stops the cashier before it goes over a certain amount. I've pitched in, in that situation as well, telling the cashier I'll cover the additional items. I was with my son one time when we were downtown and passed a woman who had that look of death in her eyes. I just gave her $20 and told her I'd pray for her. She just looked at me and started crying. The main point is to affirm what you so elequently pointed out...which is that a few gestures can go a long way to making someones day just a little bit better.

restrangled

Hortensia, I have seen more abused dollars in Charities than I care to think about....I'd rather see someone get it directly without 50 cents taken off the top of every dollar. I was also forced as an employee of a major firm to donate to a large charity which later was investigated for abuse of funds.

I don't trust charitable organizations, too much red tape, layers of administrative costs and advertising.

Flipper,

But we have to be alert to notice the ones that are truly needy.

You are absolutely right!

Gregor,

Hope your wife is feeling better! Is she home now?

We all do the best we can do, and that was understandably a time where you could not help.

r.

Bobbi

I don't like giving cash to anyone.

However, my neighbours, friends and I donate to different organizations in our area with food or goods. We have donated things our children have outgrown(but still in good condition) to our local teen parents organization. We also sent a load of clothes to another country to an orphanage. That one I did donate cash towards the shipping.

We keep our eyes open for people in our area who might need a little help. A drive to the store, or job interview. A couple hours away from their kids.

I don't give money to panhandlers, however if they get off their butts and help me load three kids and the groceries in to the van I will tip them.

Bobbi

restrangled

Bobbi,

my neighbours, friends and I donate to different organizations in our area with food or goods

That. I do all the time, I just don't give cash out to charities. Its too easy to spend the dollars like our governement does.

Look what has happened in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Millions of dollars wasted on rotting trailers that can't be moved. Funds earmarked for that area have not ever been released because some ass is sitting on his same, unable to sharpen his pencil and approve the funds to be moved. In the mean time he's getting paid his salary and doesn't have to worry about his cushie government job and those he cannot or refuses to see.

OK, rant over. (sorry)

r.

mrsjones5

I got chased by a homeless guy once because I wouldn't give him any money while I was eating my lunch in Burger King in Downtown SF next to the Powel street cablecar turnaround. He has a burger in hand, stuffing it into his mouth and had the nerve to ask for money and get mad when I turned him down and tried to ignore him. He chased me out of Burger King and I would not have gotten away unless two cablecar guys hadn't stepped in and stopped him.

I don't give money, food but not money.

Josie

blueviceroy

I help whenever I see a need unless the person "feels" like a deception

orbison11

would have done the same

i give a lot in comparrison (sp) to what i have

having been homeless (yes, go figuire) after my dfing,,i know the plight

but when i see people out there trying,,i am so moved:)

orb

Burger Time

I'm with you Blue...I help but only if they really seem they need it. I was mugged recently at a bus stop by some guy asking if I had change for a 5. He was waiting for the bus and seemed like he wasn't the type. I opened my wallet and showed him I only had 2 dollars. He made a remark like, "damn now I have to walk to the store". So I just took out a dollar and said, "here man just take the dollar". He then asked if I had 20 cents on me and I said, "sorry can't help you". So I went to put my wallet back and he said, "oh you can help me!". He tried to grab my wallet but I had a death grip, I pushed him off of my wallet and he sized up to fight me. He said, "oh it's going to be like that huh?"? I squared up with my umbrella in hand and said, "yes it's going to be like that". He then did the completely unexpected he turned and ran down the street. Folks I am not a big guy and was very well dressed. I was completely expecting a royal ass kicking handed to me, but I figure I had to stand my ground. I got lucky but now when someone asks I am very suspicious.

misanthropic

That's great R- you're really a very thoughtful, nice person.

I've never done anything like what you did, but usually if I have cash I'll give it to people I can tell need it. If someone is smoking on the corner wearing normal clothes I never feel they are that "needy". At least I've never seen anyone that bad off that still has money for smokes- but what do you know? That's just my personal rule of thumb.
On the other hand once when I was in a rush one night there was a junkie at the corner store I stopped at to use the phone at. He asked me for money and I figured I'd have a couple singles in my pocket- it was night, I felt a little bad for him and I also knew I didn't want to chance getting mugged or someting if I didn't give him anything. I gave him the cash I had in my pocket and then after handing it to him realized that it was $30. I felt bad after because I know he probably spent it on drugs. I just tell myself that he probably wasn't, so I don't feel like such a scumbag.

How do you react.....

Share this