I thought this odd.... leaving Walmart

**Imarachne** · 05-19-2010, 05:20 PM

Its sad that we have to question whether someone needs our help--it used to be that a stranger was the only requirement.I have a hard time deciding who to give to. Maybe we all can learn from each other about this.

**TheresaRHPS** · 05-20-2010, 01:31 AM

Hehe, maybe its research; you might find yourself on 60 Minutes or a similar show, lol.

I remember seeing one such program a few years ago where they had a woman panhandling outside of Walmart. She made more than twice as much in an hour as the cashier inside did.

But yeah, in all seriousness, a lot of good points have been made.

**militlady** · 05-20-2010, 02:03 AM

Never really thought much about it. I have never seen anyone outside the Walmart closest to my home. I live in a very small town (less than 4000 people). Maybe I am just not paying attention.

**Nada.Leona** · 05-20-2010, 05:24 AM

Originally Posted by cab54

If I saw him, I would give. There but for the grace of God, go I. If he spends it on booze or drugs, it's his conscience, his soul he has to worry about. It's MY behavior that 'I' have to worry about. Maybe I'm a sucker, but......

It`s awesome that you`d be willing to help out, but giving them money is really not the way to go. It`s encouraging the issue that is keeping him down. I worked with the homeless for over a year (stopped volunteering when I became pregnant) and I`ve seen them come in wasted and stoned. I have heard them tell me stories of their trips and let me tell you, it is freakin` scary what some of these guys will do for a little coke. Whatever you can imagine as the worst thing possible -- yup, they`ve done it. And it`s very very scary.

It is so much better to go and get them something healthy and give it to them instead. I would save snacks and treats we didn`t like and donate that instead to them. Keep a bag in your car or something along those lines. Or buy them coffee. Or bus tickets. Anything along that line.

And that isn`t even saying that every single person begging for money is a drug addict. But because you cannot be sure, it`s always better to opt for the safety of purchasing a healthy item over giving them money.

**momof42003** · 05-20-2010, 10:57 AM

I find it kind of weird that Wal Mart allows it.. While I worked there, you had to have permission just to sell Girl Scout Cookies outside the door. Not sure how "pan handlers" are allowed to stand outside and ask for money...

**frugalfoster** · 05-20-2010, 11:59 PM

It's a well known fact that pan handlers in our state make between 2 and 4 hundred dollars a day.... so call me cynical...when I say that I hate it. But as far as working at or donating to the food bank...well now...that's a whole different story. I'd much rather put my efforts there...or do mission work building houses. Both of which I believe in big time!

**wcollier** · 05-21-2010, 07:48 AM

I work by one of the corners where these people stand. We have several that this is their favorite corner. Every day they drive up in their trucks and cars (some of them are nicer than mine), pull their backpack and signs out of the back and go stand on the corner. There is even a couple of guys that come together. They park in our parking lot and then they each walk to their own corner.