Incredible act of kindness witnessed (school, live, to move)

[LilyLaLa]

It's a shame that the truly desperate get passed by because of a few shameful others.

I used to work in the city where I'd have to pass a dozen or so homeless people on my way home; I hated just walking by them all without helping, but no way could I afford to be handing out so much money every day. So one day I packed a half-dozen extra sandwiches and offered those instead.

That's ONE way to find out who's genuine--all but three of the 'homeless' folks insulted me or shouted abuse. Out of the three left, one tried to pay me out of his coffee-cup of change which I thought was sweet, and the other two said "God bless you" about thirty times as I left.

Things/people aren't always what they seem. ....Which was my first thought on reading the original post, because it gave me an idea for a short story where a serial killer operates by feeding homeless people poisoned food.... Have I read that story before somewhere?

[Grawburg]

Did you get her plate number? It's not legal to serve food without a restaurant license and I doubt she has one for her automobile. You really should have called the police on her.






Just kidding.

[jill7930]

In my original post, I wasn't implying that giving food wasn't a kind thing to do. I often gave food to the homeless man I passed every day until someone stabbed him to death a few months ago ( the guy known as "hood hop" had been panhandling for a few years at the Durham Freeway @ Mangum/Roxboro exit before a lowlife killed him over $5).

My point is that it was more a random act of kindness than an incredible one. Maybe it's just semantics, but what's so incredible about giving someone food? Having said that, I am all for any acts of kindness.

I certainly agree with In & Out that we all need to think about others more. That's why I spent 27 months in a rural village as a Peace Corps Volunteer. But then again, like most Peace Corps Volunteers, I ended up learning a lot more and being the recipient of much more kindness than I gave.

[WeLuvNC]

I have given out bottles of water to folks when it is hot because I usually have a case in the car. I have also been known to get some extra sandwiches if I pass someone while swinging through a fast food place.

I am of a mixed mind with it because although I don't want to encourage folks hanging around, I too find it is very hard to pass someone expressing such need.

I agree with prior statements and don't give money because if they are abusing, it'll just go toward that...I also don't usually stop if I've got my kids in the car or if no one else is around.

So, to those folks who also carry extra water in their car...consider passing a bottle or two out next time you pass someone. Hydration can only be a good thing.

[cackalackie]

Great idea about the water. I remember last summer during the heat wave, I took a couple of cases to one of the shelters downtown. They were very appreciative.

[ljd1010]

I think this was a genuine act of kindness....it is heartwarming to know people still care about people. I often hand out a dollar or two to panhandlers. Why? Because I feel I am very lucky to be living "The American Dream". I am far from rich but I've worked very hard to get where I am today and have no problem sharing just a little. As for the panhandlers - anyone that sits out in the heat on a street corner for hours IS working, albeit a different kind of work. I hope I don't get cynical in my old age. ok, that's my 2 cents.

[Nickc121]

Originally Posted by scorp200

I agree, he's still gotta eat. I think that was a lovely thing to do!

Yes. It definitely shows a kind heart from someone who sincerely cares. But it certianly IS a good idea to avoid handing out to homeless. Any homeless shelter would agree.

[PDXmom]

Originally Posted by SALUKI_LOVER

As I was out cycling today, I came to the corner of Leadmine and Glenwood and noticed an older man with sign that read "Homeless and Hungry". As we were stopped at the light a car that is making a right hand turn stops and a little gal jumps out of her car. At first I wasn't sure what she was going to do. She opens the back window of her Ford Explorer and pulls out a plastic food carry out container - says something to the homeless man and begins opening containers she has in the back fo her car. She then starts to dish up corn, beans and by then the light changed and I wasn't able to see the conclusion.
I looked behind me and everyone could not believe this exchange . . it was very humbling as it is easy to pass judgement on people but I felt honored to witness something very special happen right in front of my eyes.

Saluki_lover, thanks for sharing this. It's always great to hear about random acts of compassion!! You have the most uplifting threads!! Nice to have you here on CD and in the Triangle.

[SALUKI_LOVER]

thanks PDX - I try!

[scorp200]

Originally Posted by Nickc121

Yes. It definitely shows a kind heart from someone who sincerely cares. But it certianly IS a good idea to avoid handing out to homeless. Any homeless shelter would agree.

Oh I've had plenty of bad experiences myself - not here but in NYC, Newark and St. Petersburg so I know what you mean. Just from walking down the street actually. You've got to be really careful.