Panhandlers at Truck Stops

As we get further into this year, it'll get worse. The eco-downturn is starting to pick up speed. I have been hit up for money right at the fuel pumps. The strangest was a car full of teen girls (cheer leaders) , 2am in Waddy Ky. out of gas trying to get home from a football game. Three of us pitched in and filled their tank including a sermon about why teens shouldn't be at a t.s. that time of the morning.

 

I always ask if they are hungry and buy or give them something to eat. They ones who refuse are drug addicts. You have to help you're fellow man, I was homeless once too.

 

It does get aggrivating that I cant go more than a day or two without being hit up. I either buy them some food, or make them clean my windows or sweep my trailer for 5 or 10 bucks. I work for my living so I expect others to do the same. You would be amazed at how many times guys refuse to clean the windows or push a broom thru my trailer.

 

I think I'm going to start handing them my company brochures

 

No I wouldn't. Lots of them already working in the industry now.

 

Panhandlers prolly make more than most drivers killing themselves..

 

I think we need to discern between "pro" panhandlers and the occasional down on their luck family, kid, whoever. I am not out to help further anyone's streetcorner career........BUT I won't turn a blind eye to what I perceive as real need.........and a meal or tank of gas for someone in need IS the right thing to do. Deep down we all know that. And let's face it: we have been blessed with work and the health to work; so helping our fellow man is not a hardship. BUT if the person in question ONLY wants cash; and won't accept a meal, gas, or the offer of some work in exchange for cash: my sympathy goes away!! BEAT IT!!!

 

Lots of negativity here. I will say, it has to be a tough tough situation for people have to start begging. But who are we to judge?

There was a man at a busy intersection a few weeks ago. My billfold was empty. But I had plenty of quarters and all in my change cup. So I grabbed a handfull and gave it to him. Told him this ain't much. Its what I had. He said, "THANKS! THIS IS LUNCH FOR ME".

Now I don't know what that man did with the money I gave him. I really don't care. But it made me feel good.

The next week, we had a real slow week. Loads were just not there. Come the end of the week, my boss asked me if I wanted to do a 630 dollar run. I said you bet. So I did it. It came at a time we needed it.
It was a floor unload and I had to unload it myself. I figured it was God's way of saying, "Thanks for giving to that man as I demanded. Here is your reward, but I am gonna punish you with a floor unload. What took you so long for giving to the needy? "

 

I totally agree with you! There have been many times I've felt "impressed" to give someone a meal. I carry different gift cards from the fast food places in the truck stops. So, at least that way I can give someone a meal when I don't have any cash on me. I feel, I'm accountable for doing what is right in my heart. They will be accountable for what they do. It's always best to give with no expectations, just feels good to be a human being! No judgment on anyone else, just gotta do what I feel is right for me.

 

If they are truly in need, there are dozens of governmental and private charities that will give them immediate food clothing and shelter. They have chosen not to go that legitimate route. In most cases there is alot more to the story, mental/emotional problems, alcohol/substance abuse, and other chronic problems that are not going to be solved by handing them a dollar. In another era, I would have given money to my church or other local organization, and 100% of the money, clothes food would have gone to the needy. That has been replaced by a all powerful government that takes their 40% off the top in administrative costs and attempts to do what was done privately in the past. The electorate has spoken, my money is confiscated from me by the local state and federal government. It is their problem now...