Out of gas in Murray KY on way to AZ
A guy was at Walmart trying to raise money for gas and food in a class C so some others helped out and I topped off tank. Hoping he makes it to Phoenix.
Forum Discussion
Use a little common sense folks...
Often these people are obviously scammers and giving them money is just wrong, no other word for it. By giving them cash you are enabling their various addictions and not doing them any favors.
On the other hand some folks simple do need a a little help, case in point:
We were stopped at the truck stop at I-40 just north of Lake Havesu. A couple in their thirties who would have been labeled hippies back in the day, with the cutest little 5 year old girl were in the most decrepit homemade "sort of a Class C", held together just barely, with chewing gum and bailing wire they were allegedly bound for California.
They asked for cash for gas and I politely told them I don't carry cash (at least not enough to be giving it away to strangers). We then went into our Class C and filled a couple of grocery bags with food - lunch meat, canned goods, bread, juice, cookies, fruit etc., and then presented them with what was easily a couple of days worth of meals.
Our gift was gratefully received and we wished them well. It felt good knowing that they would at least eat decently for a couple of days and that nothing we gave could be sold off.
The other day I looked under the bathroom sink and found several canisters containing basic toiletries kits that were given to me during various hospital stays at the VA. They have soap, shampoo, razor, comb, toothbrush/paste, that sort of things. I put them in my car and now when I see a homeless person begging on a street corner they will be offered one of the kits.
When they are gone I plan on putting together similar bags for future distribution. Hotel/motel toiletries and a couple of trips to the Dollar store should stock a baggie with things these folks need and can actually use. Not much cost but better than enabling with cash.
As always.... Opinions and YMMV.
:C
Often these people are obviously scammers and giving them money is just wrong, no other word for it. By giving them cash you are enabling their various addictions and not doing them any favors.
On the other hand some folks simple do need a a little help, case in point:
We were stopped at the truck stop at I-40 just north of Lake Havesu. A couple in their thirties who would have been labeled hippies back in the day, with the cutest little 5 year old girl were in the most decrepit homemade "sort of a Class C", held together just barely, with chewing gum and bailing wire they were allegedly bound for California.
They asked for cash for gas and I politely told them I don't carry cash (at least not enough to be giving it away to strangers). We then went into our Class C and filled a couple of grocery bags with food - lunch meat, canned goods, bread, juice, cookies, fruit etc., and then presented them with what was easily a couple of days worth of meals.
Our gift was gratefully received and we wished them well. It felt good knowing that they would at least eat decently for a couple of days and that nothing we gave could be sold off.
The other day I looked under the bathroom sink and found several canisters containing basic toiletries kits that were given to me during various hospital stays at the VA. They have soap, shampoo, razor, comb, toothbrush/paste, that sort of things. I put them in my car and now when I see a homeless person begging on a street corner they will be offered one of the kits.
When they are gone I plan on putting together similar bags for future distribution. Hotel/motel toiletries and a couple of trips to the Dollar store should stock a baggie with things these folks need and can actually use. Not much cost but better than enabling with cash.
As always.... Opinions and YMMV.
:C
