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To give to the homeless or not

To give to the homeless or not

Given that this is the season of love, with Valentines Day just behind us and all, I tend to pay greater attention to the needs of others this time of year.  One of those needs that seems more front and center all the time - as Nevadas economy continues to take a beating  - is the homeless in our community.  I work in a downtown building, and its safe to say that I get asked for money...a lot.

Blessing Bags via KWAVs

Usually, I make up an excuse about not having cash on me or I give the person all the change I have in my pocket. Recently, I saw these "blessing bags" on Pinterest to keep in the car to give to the needy, and thought they were pretty clever.

Seeing as how I dont actually get around to doing 99% of the things I find on Pinterest, I havent actually made any of these "blessing bags."

One day, though, I was in my car, and I pulled up to a stop light.  Out my window, I saw a lonely looking man in a beat-up raincoat.  Something about his silver-gray beard or his particularly earnest cardboard sign tugged at my heartstrings a little.

I patted my pockets, and I actually didnt have any cash on me.  For real this time.  I couldnt very well write the guy a check. What to do? I looked around my car.

And then I saw it.  A bright yellow banana left over from lunch.  "Hey, its better than nothing," I thought.  I rolled down my window and extended the banana to the man.

"Im sorry!" I said.  "Its all I have with me."

He nodded and took the banana.  I rolled up the window, smiling slightly to myself and feeling pretty good about having helped someone in need...even if it was only a small gesture.  The light turned green, and I looked up in my rear-view mirror to see if I could catch a glimpse of the man.  

I caught a glimpse alright.  A glimpse of the guy tossing the banana right over his shoulder into a bush!

The nerve of some people. Seriously.  He could have at least waited until Id driven down the block. 

Now Im conflicted.  Do I let this one bad experience turn me into a jaded and cynical person whod rather not help at all if my helps not appreciated?  Or do I chalk it up to one ungrateful person who doesnt reflect the true needs of these guys (or gals) with their cardboard signs on the street corners?

What about you?  Do you give to the homeless...or not?

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