We don't get homeless people much in this town. Jon and I were at Arby's today having lunch when I saw a guy walk past the restaurant with a shepard dog on a leash and everything he owned on his back. Im guessing someone dropped him off on the interstate exit just down the road.
Later the day Jon and I went to the grocery store here in town and I saw the guy and his dog in front of the store on the bench with a sign that said hungry and homeless. People were walking right by the guy like he didnt exist. Wealthy people..

I was shocked not a single person alteast bought the guy a sandwich from the deli inside the store. Jon and I went in and got him a ham and cheese sandwich, chips, candy bar and a cold coke. We got the dog a can of food with the pop top and a big bag of milkbones. Most days I dont have an extra buck for anything but today Jon and I had made some money from fixing computers. I understand not giving the guy money but I was really suprised at the people I saw look away and go right past the guy and his dog. People who had a lot more $$$ in their pocket than me. When we were leaving I saw they guy eating his food and had given the dog his food. Atleast the ladies from the deli had brought the dog out some scraps.

Wow- an absolutely wonderful story, janie. Thanks for sharing.

I have a soft spot for folks in need. All kinds of need...

I think so many of us are jaded from time to time, and it impacts how we give or don't give.

I remember one time I was deeply affected by a tattered-looking woman I saw at the entrance to a Wal-Mart parking lot. She had a worn suitcase and held a sign that read: "Leaving abusive home and need $30.00 by 7:00PM for a bus ticket to my folks' ". I actually went to an ATM to get cash to give her- I saw others giving to her, too.

Know what, though? About a week later she was there in the exact same spot holding the exact same sign! I felt like an idiot for a split second- but then I made myself stop feeling so stupid... afterall, I did the compassionate thing. I did the right thing. SHE was the one who goofed and took advantage- not me.

Sadly, her actions might very well have affected others to adjust how they give to legitmate need-cases down the road...

I just keep re-playing the words to the Garth Brooks song in my head:

"The Change"
(written & performed for those taken- & those who survived the Oklahome City bombing)

One hand
Reaches out
And pulls a lost soul from harm
While a thousand more go unspoken for
They say what good have you done
By saving just this one
It's like whispering a prayer
In the fury of a storm

chorus:
And I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world will know
That it will not change me

This heart
Still believes
That love and mercy still exist
While all the hatred rage and so many say
That love is all but pointless in madness such as this
It's like trying to stop a fire
With the moisture from a kiss

And I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world will know
That it will not change me

As long as one heart still holds on
Then hope is never really gone

I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me

What I do is so
This world will know
That it will not change me

It's so sad to see that. We have a certain couple of "corners" here and you will find men standing there with signs - "will work for food".

I did the same thing I do - and you're right - those with the money and can afford it - don't care to help at all.

For a while there was a scam going on at my bank where some tattered looking people would come up to you at the atm and ask for bus fair. The bank finally put up a sign saying not to give those people money. They are there every day asking for bus fair. I'm all for helping those in need but I think we should give our time and money to homeless shelters and food banks so that we know where our time and money are going. Some great charities that I have been involved with and would suggest to anyone is MAPS (material assistance providers) The next time you want to throw out some furniture to update your house think about giving it to charity. There are many people who can use it. You can also donate your time there sorting items.
Your local food bank can also use your help. Sorting donated foods.
I think everyone can do something to help those les fortunate. It's sad that some people take advantage of others good nature.

DITTO! :rolleyes: