No Soliciting!!

[Tank the Jeep]

I’ve become hardened to the charity thing in general. I don’t give money to hobos, panhandlers, vagrants, door to door salesmen, politicians, prostitutes, beggars or family members. And I don’t round up at the cash register so corporations can get the tax write off either. We are forced to give money in taxes that support welfare and social causes. That in my opinion is enough.

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[dpike]

So, TDLR. If you ever end up broke under a bridge, befriend a stray or a mutt. You’ll make the most money.

30 years ago there was an old man and a mutt on Wadsworth in Denver. I was unemployed and broke and i stopped, gave him my packed lunch and 10 bucks and felt like I saved that little dogs life. Until a few weeks later I read in the Denver Post that this guy was pulling 50k a year from doing this. I don't remember the details of the article or how they got that figure but there was a picture of him and his little damn dog in the article.

 

[Terrymo]

You're supposed to gift without judgment.
If you look someone up and down to see if they are worthy of your dollar you're the sh$The(D.

Ironic. Passing judgement on someone accused of passing judgement.

 

[rk911]

I've been approached several times by people asking for $ in truck stops while I was fueling our motor home. The last two were trying to "get home for a funeral". My reply..."Sure. Where's your car...I'll pump some gas into for you.". They always walk away. The manager was notified.

My wife and I stopped at a local Walgreens one night. An adult man with a little girl approached me and and asked for some $ so they could get a meal. I offered to take them to the McDonald's next to the Walgreens and buy them dinner. They also just walked away. I reported them to the local police.

We have a NO SOLICITING sign next to our doorbell at home. Apparently nobody can read because they still ring the bell. When I point out the sign the response is usually either...1) I'm not soliciting anything or, 2) That doesn't apply to me. A member of our town's council actually used #2 until I showed her the text of the ordinance...that she voted on.

We are generous people and donate to many charities but I can't stand scammers. Had either of the people moved their cars to a gas pup I would've gladly filled their tanks. Same wirh the man and little little girl wanting a meal.

There is always someone trying to separate you from your $.

 

[rk911]

I've got this sign by my front door. Fortunately I haven't needed one for the Jeep... yet.

I love it! Homemade or purchsed?

 

[Grayhound]

I’ve been homeless by choice. I look people in the eye, and I give them money, smokable stuff, shoes, whatever. We all make different choices we all end up in different places. People need kindness. And sometimes the kindest thing you can do is fund what makes them numb for a minute till they are ready to deal with themselves. It’s only money after all…

 

[NWJeepr]

If I'm not expecting someone at the front door or isn't someone from the neighborhood I recognize, it doesn't get opened. I learned that early on when we lived in a subdivision.

The homeless, mentally ill, and the addicted, or any combination of those, all need to eat. I generally won't hand people cash, but when I'm somewhere and someone asks for food, or someone comes up short when paying for a meal and I'm behind them in line, I'll pay it for them. We have to have empathy and help others in ways we know they need.

 

[Ratbert]

I remember going door to door as a little shit in my cub scouts outfit trying to sell popcorn. At one house a girl opened the door and gave me a disgusted look as she pointed to the "No Soliciting" sign before closing the door in my face.

I, of course, had no f'n clue what a "soliciting" was, but she sure was pissed about it.

 

[rk911]

I’ve been homeless by choice. I look people in the eye, and I give them money, smokable stuff, shoes, whatever. We all make different choices we all end up in different places. People need kindness. And sometimes the kindest thing you can do is fund what makes them numb for a minute till they are ready to deal with themselves. It’s only money after all…

Completely agree as regards those who honestly need help. We draw the line at con artists. They are parasites and thieves.

 

[Chief_Dan]

Well....
We have heard just about every story that could be told at the Fire Station I used to work at, as it was where a "major" road dead ended. But, we being firefighters, we want to help. On the Department we have a major rule, when it comes to fighting fire (hose) or preparing food, the #1 Rule, "never lay out short".

So, we invite them in, let them share our food. Offer fuel from our small cans (for saws etc), show them where to go to get resources & even will offer to put them in touch with our recruitment team so they can get a job. We have changed flat tires, fixed a car, replaced batteries, all kinds of stuff, & some of the personnel that have their own business have even given some of them jobs.

These are thankful people & we generally never see them again, or they end up on the Department. Makes you feel good to help people that really need it and are grateful for the help.

But, we have had the same people show back up at the station again & again, the next day & or the next, with same sob story & those of us holding over, make it known to the next shift. They typically would do the same as we would, but never just give out money.

We see far too many take money & use it for drugs or to buy illegal guns so they can then up their criminal game. It really hurts when you see someone you have tried to help, a few hours later, needing Narcan to stay a live. Or we end up working them as a full arrest trying to get life back into them.

I have always been a public servant (Marine, FF, & Paramedic, son of a FF & Air Force vet of the Korean War). I worked 2 & sometimes 3 jobs while going to Paramedic school to make sure I provided for my family. Matter a fact I have worked 2 jobs just until recent, as I'm now getting close to retirement. So, I am all about giving someone the shirt off my back, I will always offer a hand up, but I detest a hand out. I am a firm believer in, give a man a fish feed him for a day, teach a man to fish & feed him for life. I will always offer to give someone what they need, but it is hardly ever cash. I may tip well, leave extra change & donate a lot of items or cash. But, rarely do I hand out cash.

More afraid that if I start to give out cash, then people will always look for more until it goes too far & then they may get hurt. So, I try to avoid that.

I know, I just posted a lot, thanks for letting me rant. But, from what I see of my local Jeep community & even here...
Most people are really good, friendly, & about the same way. Helpful, kind, & a little crazy all at the same time. Like me!

So...
Everyone, stay safe!
If the gut is telling you something, it's usually good to listen to it.

 

[rk911]

If I'm not expecting someone at the front door or isn't someone from the neighborhood I recognize, it doesn't get opened. I learned that early on when we lived in a subdivision.

The homeless, mentally ill, and the addicted, or any combination of those, all need to eat. I generally won't hand people cash, but when I'm somewhere and someone asks for food, or someone comes up short when paying for a meal and I'm behind them in line, I'll pay it for them. We have to have empathy and help others in ways we know they need.

Completely agree.

 

[Opus]

I love it! Homemade or purchsed?

Amazon. I've bought so much crap from them I'm starting to get offers to open a business account.

 

[rk911]

Amazon. I've bought so much crap from them I'm starting to get offers to open a business account.

LOLOLOL. Us, too. Thanks.

 

[Flip]

I carry prop money, it's only illegal if you try to purchase something with it, that's the bums problem.

https://tinyurl.com/propmoney20

 

[NPC 20883467]

...I guess sarcastic humor isn't for everyone. ?‍

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