I never give to beggars, regardless of their almost certainly fabricated stories.
Agreed. There are plenty of good, decent people who are down on their luck who could use financial and emotional support.
There's a fat guy that continually hangs around our local Walgreen's pharmacy asking for "spare change" for a meal. Once in a while some soft-headed mark will give him money. I caught him once going in to the Walgreen's and coming out with a Pepsi and some candy bars.
The one time I gave a few bucks was to a dude holding a sign that said, Um not gonna lie....I just need a beer.”
I appreciated his honesty. He appreciated the cash!
Beggar with a dog at an intersection.
As I drove by I threw a dog biscuit out for the dog.