A lady in a wheelchair asking for money outside McDonalds

[Trish]

It's rare I have any cash on me, if one approaches me I always say, sorry I have no cash at the moment.
I expect one day one will say it's ok I take credit or debt cards and hold up one of those machines at me.
It wouldn't surprise me one bit.

It happens here! Mobile card payment machines (or pin machines). Most are used by 'chuggers' (charity muggers) who hang around outside supermarkets and train stations and are very persistent. The machines can be bought online.

Rather than give money to someone on the street, I take part in the 'pay it forward' scheme. Cafes who take part have signs in their windows and the local communities are usually made aware. You can ask the staff to put aside a free paid for cup of coffee, if you want you can also pay for a sandwich or soup. They do not need to be homeless, they can be anyone who needs it.

Our favourite cafe is part of the scheme and they know the local community very well. I think the cafe owner would give a free coffee and sandwich to anyone who was down on their luck but, usually there are 'suspended' drinks and sandwiches waiting to go. I think it is a wonderful idea and you know it is going to the people who need it, especially in the cold weather. It's what being part of a neighbourhood should be about, we help those who are facing hard times, even if it is only a small thing, like a hot drink.

 

[IrishEyes]

It happens here! Mobile card payment machines (or pin machines). Most are used by 'chuggers' (charity muggers) who hang around outside supermarkets and train stations and are very persistent. The machines can be bought online.

Rather than give money to someone on the street, I take part in the 'pay it forward' scheme. Cafes who take part have signs in their windows and the local communities are usually made aware. You can ask the staff to put aside a free paid for cup of coffee, if you want you can also pay for a sandwich or soup. They do not need to be homeless, they can be anyone who needs it.

Our favourite cafe is part of the scheme and they know the local community very well. I think the cafe owner would give a free coffee and sandwich to anyone who was down on their luck but, usually there are 'suspended' drinks and sandwiches waiting to go. I think it is a wonderful idea and you know it is going to the people who need it, especially in the cold weather. It's what being part of a neighbourhood should be about, we help those who are facing hard times, even if it is only a small thing, like a hot drink.

I haven't come across them yet but I am not inserting my card into anyone's device that I don't know or is not a business in a building.
I gave to some people I saw regular in Virginia got to know one fella pretty well, met his family.