People standing in front of stores

[alternateme]

Do you give money to the people that stand in front of stores asking for it? I always feel awkward when I walk by these people and I never know if I should give or not. I usually give whatever change I might have. My boyfriend says that I shouldn't because most of the money they collect doesn't actually go to help the organization that the person is collecting for, but to that person doing the collecting. Is that true? Should I be supporting these causes or should I be donating money in a different way?

[disneysteve]

I never give money to anyone just because they ask for it. I may buy a box of girl scout cookies from the girls in front of the supermarket but I would never just hand over cash (or change) for no reason. Personally, I think that type of soliciting should be banned.

[MonkeyMama]

No. If I gave money to everyone who asked, I'd be broke.

In general, you never really know how valid a charity is with someone just "standing outside." If you want to donate money, do it in a different way.

[alternateme]

I guess I need to rethink the way I give out money. Thank you.

[poundwise]

My wife and I plan our charitable giving and incorporate it as a part of our budget. That doesn't mean we automatically turn everyone down who otherwise asks but we are not inclined to give in response to an on-the-spot request most of the time.

I especially dislike the groups who camp out in front of Wal-Mart and/or grocery stores and ask you, coming and going, if you want to buy a raffle ticket or a box of doughnuts or whatever.

[wincrasher]

I wanted once to just give the girl scouts a donation. They refused it. They can only sell the cookies! Do love the thin mints, but I really don't need to eat them.

I never give money to beggars. I also don't like those folks that stand around cars in the intersections raising money for charities. Religious zealots are the worst though. If some guy yells "fornicator!" at me one more time, I just may snap.

[disneysteve]

I wanted once to just give the girl scouts a donation. They refused it. They can only sell the cookies!

That isn't true, at least not around here. We took many donations while selling cookies. Some people just gave money. Some bought cookies and told us to keep the change.

If that happens again, here's what you do. Buy a box of cookies and then hand it back to the girls for them to eat. They'll appreciate it.