QUOTE(cw68 @ Feb 7 2007, 08:11 AM)
Steve, that is pretty cool.
I used to be a lot more generous to the homeless/beggars, but I have to say that I've seen a big difference between those in the Midwest and those out here. I always used to give my leftovers from dinner/lunch to the homeless, often ordering an extra "to go" for that purpose. Every single one I gave away seems very thankful, both in Chicago, Madison and SF. Once I move to Sac, however, I started getting a bunch of, "Oh, thanks, but what I really want is some money for (insert) cigarettes, the bus, rent." Kinda turned me off from the whole thing.
I used to be more generous, too. When my daughters were small, they used to grab change out of a jar whenever we were going downtown. They called it 'bum money'.
I get discouraged, however, when I see able bodied people out there who'd rather beg than work. I was once hit up for change in front of a McDonald's that had a 'help wanted' sign inthe window.
By the way, two of my daughter's former friends, from Folsom High, took to begging, or 'spanging' as they call it. One lives with his parents in Willow Creek, the other in ARC. The one in Willow Springs was begging in front of Kohl's when it first opened, because he figured people would have lots of cash with them. He even tried in front of Sunrise Mall.