Don't forget the homeless/needy

[YellowLioness]

As the temperatures drops, life becomes even more difficult for the homless and needy families. I know that it's very close to the holiday, and that things are hectic for everyone preparing for the visitation of relatives, traveling out of town, etc. But, it's important that we not lose sight of the generosity/caring for our fellow man that makes America great.

I'd like to provide some tips given to me by some of the lawyers in my office:

Clean out your closet-- most everyone will find things in their closet (including your children's closets) that have been out grown, or perhaps are just out dated. These include items such as shoes, jackets, or heavy winter coats.
--Sure, they're not what Britney Spears and Bit-Bit would wear this season, but many needy women, men, boys and girls would be greatful for the extra warmth. Don't forget to wash them before you drop them off.

Clean out the pantry while doing your Christmas cooking-- again, most everyone will find a random assortment of canned/ dry goods that have just been sitting there taking up space. Consider especially items such as beans, rice, or canned meats.
--Take that extra can of creamed corn to your local mission to help feed those who can't afford to feed themselves.

Old toy boxes-- for those of you with grown or growing children, there are likely toys that are still in decent shape for a needy boy or girl to play with. Make sure you wash them first before dropping them off, of course.


As hectic as events get in this holiday season, just remember to be thankful for the family, friends, gifts, etc that make them hectic.

[Duke]

My daughter has lots of stuff here that she doesn't use, we just haven't had a lot of time together to sort it out.

I also have a lot of pop bottles that I normally return for refunds. This year I actually saved a lot of them up and I've been putting them outside in garbage bags for the dumpster people to pick up. I know it's not much but at least it's something. I also donate monthly to childrens hospital directly from each paycheque.

[Star]

I just went through our closets a few weeks ago and donated it all to goodwill. I even had a lot of baby stuff given to me that i won't be using and donated that as well (baby bottles, sleepers, etc...).

I think about the homeless especially in this cold season a lot. I feel so bad for them. I wonder how a government can allow anyone to be homeless in today's day and age. It's really sad and it breaks my heart.

[Merika]

I think a lot of people who are homeless are tragic due to and unexpected loss of finances or possibe mental health situation. For those...there IS help....but it takes all of us to find out what local charities we could help fund it thru money, clothes, food or other donations.

I also think there are a lot of other people who are homeless because they refused to take any responsibility for themselves. Many are wanted by the law....others ran due to owing child support.....others are great big losers. They wouldn't take a job if you offered it to them.

We have a 'tent city' here in the woods wiht bums. I don't know why they are there. They get free food and coffee in the local stores, people drop off blankets and other stuff to them and the rest of the time they panhandle for more cheap booze. Chances are they have less worries than any of the rest of us....I don't feel particulary sorry for them either.

I DO think the government should help those who want to help themselves....and we should all pitch in to help a person in need at ANY time....but some of those people don't want help. They are happy where they are at because they've created a world unto themselves with little to no responsibility.

I agree with YL in that we should all do what we can.....at any time during the year.

[Duke]

I'll give you a bit of a flipside to the coin if anyones interested. Back about 7 years ago, the body of an old lady was found dead near a dumpster out here. She was a well known bumb (for lack of a better word) and also owned 3 houses in North Vancouver which is one of the most expensive places in the Lower Mainland to own property.

A similar yet unrelated story is about a friend of mine some years ago. When I moved out here, I met a guy at a party and we hit it off becoming pretty good friends. He's since moved out of Province and I've lost touch with him but he never worked a day in his life while he was here. What he'd do is wear his grubbiest clothes, not shave or shower and sit downtown on Granville Street. He'd usually make $110.00 for doing pretty much nothing except sitting and looking pathetic, it was all tax free and 110 was an average score, normally it was quite more than that.

I'm not saying this is what the life is like but appearances don't always tell the story.

[Star]

that is so true! There was a lady who made her living pan handling on the streets of toronto. she was caught a couple years ago. she'd bring in a couple thousand bucks a day! She'd have a relative of hers drive her to different parts of the city all day and she'd be there looking as pathetic as anyone can possibly look and rake it all in.

You do have to be careful about giving money to street people. I would never give them money. I might buy them a burger or a coffee though. At least then I know that the money is used as it should be.

[Stone]

The Bumbs in Key West average $500 a week on donations ect. That's Great money.!!!

But several bums are mental ill and unfortunatly medicade facilities are full so these people are often bumbed they could however apply for welfare and probably get it, the problem is you can't receive welfare if you have no address. or can you apply if you are wanted by the police.

i do however take special care of my vet bums they have Tent communities near the Vet hospital, I always slip a 20 to the ones who beg I hate to see what they do with it. but I always looked at it this way..... That $20.00 could be spent at the bar for me in 2 hours, and it can feed this man for a week ( if budgeted properly) unfortuanatly they probly went strait to the bar.... but if they need it more than I do they can have it.

[Duke]

It's true, you never know.

[Stone]

Hummm I'd like to do a test on that see how much money they really make

[Duke]

Tourist season is the best time of year I hear.

[Stone]

Torist season and the holiday season. I gave a bum a ride somewhere once and he stole the change out of my counsel and asked he could have like everything I owned... it was weird.

Marketing is the best I don't care what business your in. I had to visit North Fla and there were TONS of bums at the bus station they are all pretty much the same one stood out to me he had a smile from ear to ear and he held up a sign and they all did but his sign said "Dreaming of a Cheesburger" it was funny so he got my money.

[Merika]

My weakness is not being able to watch people have to put stuff back at the grocery store if they have less money than a total bill at the check out. Usually, it's only a couple of dollars at the most and I never understand why people won't help each other out.

One time, when I was young, this really nice older lady did that for me.....and it stayed with me as being so kind. So, I always make sure I do the same for others.

[Stone]

My weakness is needy children, I'll give my last penny to help one.

[Duke]

I'm a needy adult.