I just gave. You should, too.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

It wasn't what I wanted to give. I could use that extra cash myslef. Yeah, times are slow, times are tough and clients are not paying what they owe. It peppers and salts most service providers like me every x-mas seasoning.
But damnit, I HAVE FOOD TO EAT. I HAVE A ROOF OVER MY HEAD. I HAVE WORKING GAS AND POWER. There are a lot of people that don't.

SO, i am talking to you. If you have some spare change, some extra cash, or if you can simply take a smaller bite and share with those most in need, BLOODY DO IT!

Thank you. I now return control of your station to the previously scheduled programming.

[Cronus Protagonist]

1. Gosh, that demand for the poor to pay out worked so well that I gave...

...nothing. Don't have any money.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

3. as important is spreading the word to those who do.

We have the ex-CEO of GE telling us things are just rosy. Yeah, with 9 figures in income and retirement bennies. Oh, and his share prices are just doing great.

MSM must get the message. It is up to us to do that, too.

[Warpy]

4. Some people don't have anything left over to give

and trying to throw guilt and shame at them isn't the way to go.

Even when I was poor, I was able to give neighborhood panhandlers something to eat. I just couldn't afford to give cash.

We all give in our own way, even if it's only a smile and a hello to people the right wing tries to teach us to hate.

[BOSSHOG]

6. The New Orleans Mission has an excellent service

You can purchase chits from them to give to homeless people which can be used for a shower or a hot meal. They are afraid that if you gave a homeless person money they would not spend it appropriately. The mission does a good job of tending to the poor. Every penny helps.

[LibraLiz1973]

7. It's quite obnoxious to tell a homeless person how you want them to spend any

money that they get....
They are poor- obviously very down.

[BOSSHOG]

8. And with a chit

they can get fed and get a shower or other services provided by the mission. I'm familiar with the Mission and its compassionate operation. I wouldn't call them obnoxious nor would I call it obnoxious when I give a person I see on the streets of the big easy who is obviously down and in need a chit that can be used to assist them. If they choose not to use it, I've still given a contribution to a worthwhile cause.

[LibraLiz1973]

11. It's not that the chit is wrong. .. it was the way it was phrased

They get the chit so they don't spend any money they get inappropriately.

I just think it takes balls to tell a homeless person how to spend their money.

I wasn't trashing you or anything!! Sorry if it came off that way

[BOSSHOG]

12. I trust the folks at the mission

They contend with the alcohol and drug abuse on a daily basis. All they want to do is give a person a moment or two of solace. No offense whatsoever. I hope you have an outstanding and prosperous New Year.

[sandnsea]

13. I'm just posting

to kick this thread, and draw attention to the fact that someone needs help.

[Cronus Protagonist]

9. When I've got it, I hand cash to homeless people on the street

I don't have any money right now, but when I do hand out cash, I don't care if they buy crack or booze with it. If that's what they need, that's what they'll get. There are plenty of services out there handing out food. I've tried to give food to some of the homeless people in downtown LA and each time it's been refused. They all take cash, though :P

[Warpy]

10. I have no problem giving a homeless person money

because I figure s/he knows what the needs are more than I do.

Besides, I've seen full blown DTs.

[BOSSHOG]

2. We don't give a lot of money to any one charity

but give a little bit to several. One way up on our list is:

http://www.neworleansrescuemission.org/

They do a great job of feeding and caring for the poor in New Orleans.

Even a buck or two helps any organization you choose to give to.

[sandnsea]

5. I gave here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=2976232

I'd provide more info, except I can't get any response to my PM's and don't want to break the rules any more than I just did.