It doesn't work that way, lady.

[Deleted]

As I was walking out of the grocery store, a woman stopped me and asked for money. I told her I was sorry, but I don't carry cash (which is true). She pressed and asked for even loose change, but I repeated again that I don't carry any cash. She said she had four boys and needed some milk and cereal. I told her again I was sorry and walked away.

Then I noticed she was drinking a large Starbucks drink. You don't ask for money while you are drinking a Starbucks drink. If you can afford that, you can afford a gallon of milk and a box of cereal.

[winofairy]

I've heard crazy stories where people actually make a lot of money by begging.

[mayflowers22]

Wow. Crazy people in this world.

[louietunes]

There is a "bum" in KC who is actually famous for being very honest about what he's going to use the money for and living in a really nice hotel room. He makes upwards of $30k per year.

[alabasterangel]

I am the kind of bitch that takes her to buy a box of cereal and a gallon if milk and some bananas.. But pays for it.

[Bridey]

Jun 11, 2012 22:57:35 GMT -5 alabasterangel said:

I am the kind of bitch that takes her to buy a box of cereal and a gallon if milk and some bananas.. But pays for it.

Very smart

[shorty20]

Yeah, if she's going to drink coffee, that's fine, but if you supposedly don't have any money, get it from the cheapy convenient store and not freaking Starbucks. Seriously the cost of that drink would've either bought her the milk or the box of cereal.

[darkling_glory]

Maybe someone bought the coffee for her?

Just trying to play devil's advocate. I usually will take someone to buy a sandwich if that is the case, but I could see buying a coffee for someone if they were begging outside the Starbucks.

Still, I'd say most of the time I just ignore the person. I don't carry cash either.

[knavy]

Jun 11, 2012 22:57:35 GMT -5 alabasterangel said:

I am the kind of bitch that takes her to buy a box of cereal and a gallon if milk and some bananas.. But pays for it.

I went off on someone because they were asking me for money for a train pass. I had a train pass that I gave her. She asked if she could still have a few dollars incase it didn't work. I told her I wanted my train pass back since she obviously didn't want it and lied about the reason she needed money. I think I scared her, I'm glad though.

[treedimensional]

I've seen the same panhandlers around here for 10, 15 and 20 years. After that long, it's very clear they are not "out of work" (something frequently written on their little cardboard signs). Panhandling is their JOB. It is how they make money.
But I'm not paying someone for standing on a curb with a cardboard sign.

[Deleted]

There is a guy at my grocery store who comes in in army uniform with a vetern sob story (don't know if it is true) and asks women for money. He keeps getting kicjed out but he seems to get quite a bit of cash.