A while back, there was a thread about a couple who were "professional panhandlers". They preferred panhandling to holding a "regular job." They had a couple of kids and made at least $30,000/yr.
I guess it'd be a good gig if you can get it, but I've never seen ~ANYONE~ stop and give the street corner sign holder money, and I never have, so I kindof wonder if these mythical well-to-do panhandlers are pretty rare in reality.
One time I gave to a sign holder... A friend and I bought him a loaf of bread, some peanut butter and jelly, some utensils, and a bag of dog food. (I'm a sucker for a guy with a dog :~D)
Thanks for validating my memory! I've been looking all over for that, thinking it was in the local paper. I even remember teachers saying the kids were well adjusted and it's a lovely family.
It was on a thread on the internet so it must be true!