Creative signs can reap better rewards than the standard begging ones.
In general,, we, as Americans want to help those truly in need. And yet,,, we also hate getting lied to or scammed. Honesty, willingness to work, truly needy etc,,, will appreciate anything offered.
However,,, there are a lot more scammers than there are folks in need who actually are willing to get on a street corner to beg. A scammer often has transportation nearby. I always ask myself; "How did that person get to that corner? Where do they live?"
If you frequent an area in a town,, you will soon get to know the truly needy,, vs the scammers.
Locally, in a nearby town,, we have a man who has limited mental capabilities,, to where a job that requires skill is beyond his abilities. Yet, this man,, works and works hard. He's a sign holder for businesses,,, waving to folks, smiling & HAPPY in his life. Local businesses hire him as he's dependable & honest. In fact, he uses a moped to get from home to work & back again. He's so well known that local community folks got together & bought him the moped after his previous one died & wasn't easily repaired. He cried often for over a week due to the kindness. And this gentleman,,, shops at wally world,, and I've seen him coming & going there several times. Whenever a donation pot is out, such as for Lions, or Salvation Army etc,, he has NEVER passed by, going in or out, without making a donation too. Always smiling & happy, and giving. He's known, and taken care of because folks know he's worthy of the help.
There is also a woman in the same general area. Walks everywhere. We see her all over an area about 3 miles radius. Never begging. Yet,,, I've seen local stop & give her cash,,, as it's obvious she's in a bit of a need. And she's not into booze etc as best any of us can tell.
So, we do have a generous heart,,, when a true need is found.
Personal stories. My Dad grew up during the Depression. Hard living for him. Well, after he became successful,, we'd often have folks stop in our restaurant,,, and ask for a meal. Dad allowed he'd feed them,,, and would ask if they were willing to work for the meal. If they were,,, he always had stuff that needed doing. He'd hire them. If they worked hard,,, not only did they get a meal,,, they'd get some cash to go along with it. Slackers & lazy types,,, got a meal,,, but little more.
I occasionally see someone obviously in need. When I can feel as if it'll actually help,,, I help. Once,, I saw an older woman,,, obviously a person in need,, counting her coins, in a McDonalds, to see what she could buy. She got a small coffee. As she got it,,, I stepped up & offered to buy a meal, she turned a bit red,,, but mumbled a "thanks" and then ordered a biscuit with bacon & egg. I said to give her two of them. Her smile was worth every penny.
I also saw another older woman once in another fast food place,,, who got a cup of water, as she didn't have any money. I gave her some & said to have lunch on me. As I left,, she was ordering food.
You can help,,, if you study who you are giving to. But street corner beggars,,, ESPECIALLY younger ones who appear to be in good health (meaning they can work,) don't get a dime from me.
