For a variety of reasons sometimes the only way we have to give is through giving money. It makes us feel good to give money to a cause that we believe in. However, sometimes we need to be cautious in the way we “spend” our donation money. However, we must look at those times when helping a single person just does not help that individual.
Living in a town on the interstate we see a rather specific type of situation where helping really isn’t. First, there is the category of the professional beggar. They stand outside grocery store parking lots and at the top of exit ramps on the freeway among other places. With hand written signs on cardboard they beg for help – anything. “Will work for food” and other statements meant to pull on our heartstrings are held up to be read. But stop and offer them a job? Oh ho! Then the response is quite a different thing. One gentleman (and I use that word lightly) answered my query as to whether he wanted to work for an afternoon by actually throwing his brand name thermal coffee cup at me.
It pulls at our heartstrings to see someone in difficult circumstances. However, when we give money to them we can be perpetuating their agony. Numerous studies had been conducted that categorically prove that when you have financial donating to do that it is best done to an institution rather than an individual. The Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the local homeless shelter are all places where your funds could be better used. If you are concerned about how much of your donation for the charity will actually go to helping others there are numerous watchdog agencies reporting on non-profits.
It is difficult to see that old man sitting on his backpack on the side of the road. He presents a pathetic figure. Rather than give him money which only gives a short term fix, offer to give him a ride to the local shelter where he can really be helped. Giving is good – we all know that, but in today’s world one needs to be an informed giver!
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