Do you give money to beggars?
By theredquill
@theredquill (586)
Philippines
November 10, 2010 7:20am CST
At some point, you may have been approached by someone on the street begging for money. In my case, I never give money to beggars because that would only encourage them to beg some more. Although, I would sometimes give them food. I would rather donate my money to a charity whom I know would use my money wisely to help the beggars on the street. What is your opinion about this? Please share.
1 person likes this
11 responses
@TheAdvocate (2392)
• Philippines
11 Nov 10
Like you, I make a point of not giving money to beggars. I do give food to them, or when I am in a store selling food, I would buy food for them. That way, I know that the money is being used in a good way. They are begging money for food, so I just give them the food at once. I don't generally give to beggars who are asking for fare.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
11 Nov 10
Giving is noble and I do encourage it, as long as we don't create dependency and irresponsibility on the part of the receivers.
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
12 Nov 10
My problem with this is how to know if a person is genuinely in dire need of help, or just acting like one to get easy money. Maybe I'm just paranoid. But I agree with you about creating opportunities instead for a person not to be dependent. That's the reason I channel help through legit charities and NGOs that have good programs for them.
@gambama (90)
•
12 Nov 10
If a person is really in the state of needing to beg, I don't think giving them money will encourage irresponsibility. If we are dealing with adults, who are we to decide what the other person's responsible action is? We are not in their shoes and do not know the options in fact (as opposed to theoretically) available to him/her.
As for dependency, again the question is that of options. If I can create a situation where the person doesn't need to be dependent, that's the best. But again, our means are also limited and we have limited options too.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
10 Nov 10
"Informal" donations are also a way to go. At least you're assured that your money goes to a good purpose. Continue blessing others, my friend.
@joey_matthews (8354)
•
10 Nov 10
I don't give money to beggars because like you said if you do... they will come back for more. Quite alot of them arn't homeless like they used to be. They may not have a job and may not have alot of money so i don't think giving them money helps because they then know they don't have to have a job to live better.. they just beg and get it that way.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
11 Nov 10
Exactly. Begging is just one way of getting easy money for them, while most of us are working hard to earn our keeps. I even see some who look more able-bodied than me. I now remember this "experiment" where a journalist posed as a beggar for a week, and made around 200 USD just begging! How about that for fast, easy cash?
@Jacobus1919 (1683)
• Philippines
10 Nov 10
Giving money is okay if it is given whole heartedly. But, yes I from time to time give extra bucks or coins to beggars who I think truly deserve it. And specially when they actually say "Thank you" after they are give.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
10 Nov 10
You're right. A simple thank you makes us want to give more. May God bless you more for your generous heart.
@boraitou (19)
• Indonesia
14 Nov 10
well in case like that, i usually give them food NOT money, cause i believe that with giving them `easy money` they will be encouraged to beg things even more and that is not a very good way to help them.
that`s why I choose to give them food.
and of course if we give them money, we can`t make sure if they use it for good thing or maybe a bad thing that could worsen their condition.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
20 Nov 10
I believe in karma. What goes around comes around. You get what you give. The more you give the more you receive. Continue helping others, my friend. Be blessed.
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
20 Nov 10
I believe in karma. What goes around comes around. You get what you give. The more you give the more you receive. Continue helping others, my friend. Be blessed.
@Ruby_Dawn (617)
• Spokane, Washington
24 Dec 10
if I have extra money I will give it to someone in need of donations whether it be someone on the street asking for money or if it is someone online that need's help.
I believe in the motto do unto others as you would have them do unto you,and I have been in need a few times of donations and have had kind people help me so of course I will pay it forward
1 person likes this
@Bianca_mergillano (1067)
• Philippines
6 Jan 11
Good day!
I sometimes do give money to beggar when I don't have some food to give. it depends on the beggar. If the beggar looks like he can still do something for him not to beg, i wouldn't give him but if that beggar looks like he's really in need, handicap, old man. I sometimes give.
@louisejune29 (27)
•
24 Jan 11
yes its true i also give food instead of money if someone in the street is begging, sometimes i do give money in an old man or old woman.
@louisejune29 (27)
•
24 Jan 11
yes its true i also give food instead of money if someone in the street is begging, sometimes i do give money in an old man or old woman.
