Begging has become normal now.

My physically-present beggars stand by the outer road entrance/exit to my Walmart at least 50% of the time, usually with hand-made signs and often with dogs, counting on the traffic signals to stop people. They limit their individual presence so that they are gone by the time a police patrol comes by. Some are legitimate, while others have been seen to depart in rather nice vehicles…

Beggars in my near-by cities are more disconcerting as they are more aggressive, congregate near tourist attractions, and will come right up to you vocally seeking money…
 

I try to follow the Biblical directive to give to the poor, it's figuring out exactly who the poor is that's hard. I don't think most of the truly poor have computers and "Go Fund Me" sites.

I do know that a huge percentage of the homeless and hungry are suffering from extreme mental illness so most of my charity money goes to schizophrenia research.

A good place to research how much money goes to the cause verses the administration of the charity is Charity Navigator.
 
Back about 10 years ago there was a story in the local newspaper about all the beggars appearing at the exit drives of local stores. It was discovered they were all part of an organization being run by a guy and his wife. The couple basically controlled specific corners and assigned their beggars to a location. Essentially pimping them out and keeping the bulk of their take.

I'm not sure if something like that is still going on but notice the same beggars are always in the same locations so have to believe somehow the prime locations are protected.
 

CarolfromTX said:
There’s a website called Next Door where folks can post whatever, usually things about lost or found pets, minor crimes, and miscellaneous complaints. And begging. Usually the begging is from someone claiming to be a single mom just trying to get by, someone needing help with gas money, the usual. Some of those people may be in genuine need, but I’m sure many are just scammers. This morning there was a post from a teacher who is asking for help setting up her new classroom. She even helpfully posted a link to an Amazon wish list. Yes, it was all teacher stuff — bulletin board edging, posters, markers, etc. so yes, it was legit, but it’s still begging IMO. I was a teacher. I spent my own money on that stuff, including things like pencils that the parents should, but did not, provide. I spent probably a couple hundred bucks every year. I just figured it came with the territory. Never ever did I think to ask a stranger to donate. I am asking myself why I find this so irritating. I don’t have to contribute, after all. I can, and did, just scroll on by. I guess i am irritated by the assumption that it’s OK to beg, and not the least embarrassing. How has this become a thing? Has society lost every shred of self-reliance? And will her students suffer if her bulletin boards aren’t all trendy/cute? Not if she’s a good enough teacher. And one final note. I don’t have to donate to things like that to feel good about myself.

End of rant. I feel better now.
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Amen
 
Every time l turn on the TV another new commercial for still another organization comes on begging for another $19 a month. No problem, just won the lottery The check(s) will be in the mail tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow,,,,,,,,,,,,
 
One of the things to be aware of is that these 'beggars' often work in gangs. I have noticed that there is always one sitting opposite the bank. Several old ladies have been robbed after going into the bank and withdrawing money. Coincidence? I doubt it.
 
It’s a different world.

I’ve always been independent and it rarely occurs to me to ask for anything.

During my working years it seemed like I was always on the giving end for some sort of fundraiser.

Today the requests come through Facebook.

I don’t have a problem with people making a general appeal for stuff, if I’ve got something gathering dust they are welcome to it.

When it comes to money, it’s a judgment call.

I did snooze one FB ‘friend’ after making a small donation to a legitimate charity because it felt
like I had been added to some sort of a routine sucker list.

If I make a small donation to something that’s a scam it’s on them not me.

I would rather take a bit of a chance than ignore a legitimate need.
 
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It's outrageous that society has left teachers to supply their classrooms out of their own pocket. How did that become normalized?

And I find it appalling that the OP, a former teacher, would describe another teacher asking for donations to supply her classroom as begging.

No wonder there aren't enough teachers, especially good teachers available. They get little to no support even from former teachers seemingly w the attitude that "I've endured the hardship of being a teacher, so that must be and remain the status quo." It displays a COMPLETE LACK of EMPATHY.
 
hollydolly said:
Yep on the Next Door App in my neighbourhood.. just recently someone asked for this ''' Does anyone have a Maserati or a Ferrari, that they could take my daughter to her Prom and pick her up again. Can't afford to pay, but you will make a teen and her friends very Happy.''
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Now that beg was a fun one. I doubt mom expected a reply. I don't think I've seen more than one or two of those cars in my life. It's not like people have an extra one lying around on their property.
 
I've donated for years to one reputable food bank near me with no problems. About a year ago, I received a solicitation from another charity (I would certainly like to name them here, but I don't want to get in trouble). I looked them up to see if they were worthy - they were - so I made a donation. Within weeks, my mailbox was flooded with solicitations from other charities.
 
MACKTEXAS said:
I've donated for years to one reputable food bank near me with no problems. About a year ago, I received a solicitation from another charity (I would certainly like to name them here, but I don't want to get in trouble). I looked them up to see if they were worthy - they were - so I made a donation. Within weeks, my mailbox was flooded with solicitations from other charities.
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You are now on "The Suckers List" which involves the buying or trading of individual's information by "Information broker companies ". Fresh names are worth money in the " poverty industry" . JIM.
 
hollydolly said:
My husband owns a Maserati, his previous car was a Ferrari
inside the Maserati...

View attachment 389389View attachment 389390
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My Grandma came to America from the Ukraine to escape the forced famine, she never begged or asked for anything. I still have photos of her proudly sitting on her porch in her handmade cotton dress with a regal smile on her face. She worked until she went blind and was able to retire retire on a small pension. Not everyone from Ukraine is a beggar - today they are escaping bombs, most are highly educated and work hard for a better life.
 
Congratulations, you made the "suckers" list, just like when you answer your phone once you are confirmed as a live wire, then you are added to their caller list which is sold or passed around.
Years ago a neighbor joined the mango steen "sales" group and was complaining that she had to buy such a list in order get leads which were old and the folks were not interested in yet another sales call.
Nextdoor in my area is also full of beggars, no surprise there, but what is irritating is the number of bleeding hearts who give cash and other items to them while accusing you of being unsympathetic for questioning the story.
MACKTEXAS said:
I've donated for years to one reputable food bank near me with no problems. About a year ago, I received a solicitation from another charity (I would certainly like to name them here, but I don't want to get in trouble). I looked them up to see if they were worthy - they were - so I made a donation. Within weeks, my mailbox was flooded with solicitations from other charities.
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Happy Heart said:
My Grandma came to America from the Ukraine to escape the forced famine, she never begged or asked for anything. I still have photos of her proudly sitting on her porch in her handmade cotton dress with a regal smile on her face. She worked until she went blind and was able to retire retire on a small pension. Not everyone from Ukraine is a beggar - today they are escaping bombs, most are highly educated and work hard for a better life.
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It was a very different world then to what it is today....
 

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