So I pull into a local Wawa that was selling regular for $3.78 a gallon last evening (never thought I would think $3.78 was a great price). I pulled up behind a lady filling up a new '08 V6 coupe in black. She didn't seem interested in striking up a conversation on our Accords. She drove away and I proceeded to the pump. After I was done, as I was recording the damage in my log book, a guy knocks on my window. For some reason, I opened the door instead of cracking my window. He gave me a sob story that he needed "a couple of bucks" for gas (that would buy him 1/2 gallon). Out of fear of a negative reaction focused on me or my Accord, I gave him what he asked for: $2. Shortly after I returned to the road, I spotted his old piece of trash Chevy with low profile tires and chrome wheels beside me on the road. I slowed down to make sure he wasn't following me. Luckily, he turned and that was the end of that. So, obviously, he wanted the money for something other than gas (since he had no time to put any fuel in his car). What would you have done?

killed him

So I pull into a local Wawa that was selling regular for $3.78 a gallon last evening (never thought I would think $3.78 was a great price). I pulled up behind a lady filling up a new '08 V6 coupe in black. She didn't seem interested in striking up a conversation on our Accords. She drove away and I proceeded to the pump. After I was done, as I was recording the damage in my log book, a guy knocks on my window. For some reason, I opened the door instead of cracking my window. He gave me a sob story that he needed "a couple of bucks" for gas (that would buy him 1/2 gallon). Out of fear of a negative reaction focused on me or my Accord, I gave him what he asked for: $2. Shortly after I returned to the road, I spotted his old piece of trash Chevy with low profile tires and chrome wheels beside me on the road. I slowed down to make sure he wasn't following me. Luckily, he turned and that was the end of that. So, obviously, he wanted the money for something other than gas (since he had no time to put any fuel in his car). What would you have done?

I wouldn’t have rolled down my window….

I work hard for my cash, so I don’t enjoy giving it out to yahoos on the streets.. Its not that I don’t want to give him the money, its just that I’d rather donate to worthy causes such as Relay for Life, or Breast cancer events…

Just my opinion though…

Nothing. I never carry cash. Rob me if you want, but you won't get anything.

Two dollars isn't much and that was nice of you, but I do not make it common practice to give money away (although you said you did for your saftey).

This is also the reason why I carry a weapon in the truck when I go out of town (i.e. not commute to work).

I usually offer to call the Red Cross for them and help set up some help. If legit (which is virtually never but I did get one taker), they take the help. Otherwise, they quickly walk away...

beggars are rampant in norfolk, va..... can't stand them....

seen a few in philly too, but not as aggressive there.

I usually just give them a couple of bucks if I have it. I did fill up an old station wagon for a woman a few years ago who had three kids in the backseat. She seemed legit, so I told her to pull the car up to the pump and I filled it up for her.

Been there, done that.

I seem to be an easy target. :dunno: I usually don't have cash.... but I have grabbed all the change out of the "this is not an ashtray" & handed it over. When approached at food stores I have come out with some food for them instead of money. I have also handed over a card from our preacher since our church feeds the hungry & has found jobs & homes for people.

It's really easy to SAY you'd walk away.... but doing it is not the same thing.

There's LOTS of jobs right now.... low income, yes, but there's signs up in nearly every store I've been to. A small paycheck beats no paycheck!

I wouldn't have given him anything. Now, if he was willing to "work" for the money, then that's a different story. I would have just told the guy, "Sorry, but I don't have anything right now" since I don't really carry cash.

Reminds me of the time some lady was asking people outside of Target for money to buy her baby diapers. I was like WTF? If you can't afford diapers, then you shouldn't really be having babies (she had an older daughter with her too).

/rant

Funny to read this... I used to get gas at the Wawa in Blue Bell, PA. when I lived there years ago. Aaaahhh the memories. I don't recall being asked for money, but on numerous occasions I was approched to buy home stereo speakers out of the back of a van... for some ridiculously low price. Always said "no thanks" and went on my way. Then on Action News one night, Jim Gardner had a story about how people were buying these speakers around the Philadelphia area, only to get home and find them filled with bricks to simulate the weight of the magnets. The insides were hollow. Pure genius!

Down here in Florida, I have had numerous occasions where I am approached by someone looking for money to get a gallon of gas, a bus ticket to Miami, or maybe just a ride down the street (yeah, right... and I end up roadkill 10 minutes later). These people invariably have most teeth missing, are unbathed, AND they stink of liquor or pot. I always refuse their request. If I really think someone needs a legitimate hand, I'm willing to offer. But bums and addicts have no place in my world.

About 6 months ago I was waking out of Home Depot when this old woman walks up to me. She looks like she could be anyone's little granny. She asks me to "loan" her $5 for gas, and if not, could I drive her to some location. But while she was talking, I noticed how the clothes she had on were filthy, her hair was greasy, and she STUNK of booze. Funny how initial impressions were deceiving. I politely refused her request and walked to my car parked way out in the parking lot. I got in the car and as I was ready to pull away, I notice this woman scouting the exit doors for her next victim while walking up and down the aisles looking inside car windows and pulling on the handles. For all I know, she had already tried at my car before i came out. She was nothing but a common criminal looking for anything to get her next fix (liquor/drugs?). I called 911 and gave them a description and location. I was in a bit of a hurry, so I left before the police came (if they even did).

These occasions have led me to tell my wife and kids to steer clear of these people, be polite but firm, and show no fear. There are so many crack/meth-heads around (especially here in Florida), they need to be aware of their surroundings and be ready to do whatever is necessary to stay safe. Not be paranoid... just alert.

While I don't hate these people, I certainly have no interest in enabling their addictions. I'll leave that to the next person they accost.:thumbsdow

Around here, if anyone did that sort of think likely the'd be telling the truth - we don't get virtually any pan-handling except in the middle of the few cities in our area. But I can understand the issue with safety - especially if my family was in the car. The last thing I want is some wacko hassling me because I wouldn't give a buck or two. I know that standing on principles that you should just say no and move on, but depending on who else was in the car, and whether I was driving out or just getting ready to fill up, it might impact the decision.

andy

Around here, if anyone did that sort of think likely the'd be telling the truth - we don't get virtually any pan-handling except in the middle of the few cities in our area. But I can understand the issue with safety - especially if my family was in the car. The last thing I want is some wacko hassling me because I wouldn't give a buck or two. I know that standing on principles that you should just say no and move on, but depending on who else was in the car, and whether I was driving out or just getting ready to fill up, it might impact the decision.

andy

second that. it's not worth the risk for a couple of bucks. Having said that, I rarely give more than 5. A lot depends on the area, time of day, what's the person looks like, etc...
Sometime I get impressed with ingenuity of their story and acting so I might give more just for than. I have met guys who can sell you a totally fabricated story in 3 minutes :)

While on the topic of begging. Anyone ever parked and a begger offered to watch your car for you if you give them a few bucks? I usually just drive off and find another spot.

killed him

Lol, I was driving today and parked at a grocery store, this guy was walking around, asking people for 2 bux to take the bus ... the thing is .. it's 2.75 to take the bus, and yah ... we were right next to a bus depot .. just walk onto the damn thing when the bus driver goes to the washroom ... you've already succumbed to begging for money, why not just go another step and get a free bus ride, or go apply for a complementary bus pass/ticket (we have this donate-a-ride service) where I live. I wasn't driving an accord, as it hasn't arrived yet, but the civic I have is pretty supped up, lol and there was a black inline 4 couple parked right next to me .. he probably asked that guy too. He was walking around asking people as they got out of the cars, just arriving to the grocery store. Pretty sad, these guys who stand i the middle of the intersection with signs asking for money or for a lift ... well .. go over to the little caesars that is a 3 minute walk away, and get a job holding the 5 dollar pizza sign.

I'd be afraid they'd scratch my car so I'd fork over a couple real quick like.

I generally don't give money to panhandlers.

Depends on their approach and my mood. I've given out a couple of bucks to beggars before. On the other hand a guy in NYC approached me for a smoke and I told him to get the F away from me or I'd break his neck.

I hate panhandlers. There are several areas in Columbus Ohio where the panhandling has become quite an operation and very beneficial for the beggars. When I worked the street, if I saw a sign flyer in the median or on the easement, I would usually write them a ticket or arrest them if they had outstanding warrants.
There isn't a whole lot I could do about them begging on private property as it was up to the establishment to ask the police to ask them to leave if they needed to.
I realize some folks just are giving and feel sorry for these poor souls, but what most don't realize is how dangerous it is to continue to enable these folks.
If you don't want stray dogs hanging around your door, don't feed stray dogs. If you don't want aggressive panhandlers, don't give.
I was in Atlantic City a few years ago and a panhandler approached me and my family on the boardwalk and asked me for some money. I guess he thought because I had my Girlfriend and kids with me I would give in and hand him some cash. I'm sure he had just watched me put money back in my pocket after buying ice cream for the kids. I turned it around on him and asked him for exactly what he asked me for. He pulled out a couple ones and started to hand them to me but as I went to take them(I was gonna keep them too) he pulled them back and then became very indignant with me. At that point I basically told him where I was going to shove my foot if he didn't beat feet.

In my experience the money NEVER went where the beggars said they were going to use it, i.e. food, gas, kids. It almost always went for cigarettes, alcohol, drugs or a combination of the three.

I never give to anyone unless it is a recognized charity, Salvation Army, Charity Newsies, Special Olympics or the like.