maybe this is a strange request but yesterday i went to a store with my kid after school and it was a mom with her 2 kids girls about 6 and 8 years old and she was outside the store asking for money to buy something to eat for her kids ,and then she told the kids to go and ask for money.the kids go to school because the have uniform but this i just think this is soo wrong and illegal? am i right she has been outside the store all week ,should i report her to the police or something?
any advice
i went today to buy some water and this lady was there i offer to help her with some cereal boxes i have and some prepared food for the kids from the store and she say she prefer money i can not believe the response.
thanks .
Yes, this is against the law...panhandling. First, I would tell the manager or some employee of the store. Usually, they get right after it. If this doesn't work, you call the police.
GOOD LUCK!!
G.,
I dont know if it's illegal or not but I don't think it's up too you to decide that either. It could be a scam but then again they might actually be down on their luck...Have you even attempted to offer your help? I would suggest you offer food rather then money also. I myself would never put my children in that position but I can judge other ppl if I don't know their situation. I know you are just trying to help.
Wow!! I can't believe she is USING her kids for money. I just don't get some parents out there! I have a 6 year old and I would NEVER have her go up to a stranger for money. NEVER. She is a girl school and I don't even do the sitting outside of Walmart for cookie dough. What if a stranger takes one of her kids etc....
I agree with the food comments. If they need food. Offer that. Not money. I had a "homeless" guy once in Arlington ask for money outside my car while at a light and I gave him a homemade blueberry muffin (that were awesome I might add) and gave him that and he thew it on the floor in front of me!
I am a single mother as well. Now I only have 1 child but I never let me child know I struggle. I don't receive child support and never have as her father's rights were terminated but I would never like I said have her approach someone. I am a firm believer that you can go out there and make money. She can find other ways and if she has to "beg" from others she should not do it in front of her kids. She is 1 exploiting them to get money know people will give it to kids and 2 she should not let them know she is struggling. I work 2-3 jobs for the past 6 years of my daughter's life. Some people might not want to work at McDonalds but a job is a job!
I say offer food, tell her about 211 (211.org as well), contact churches and there are tons of food banks around here.
HTH
E.
Hi G.,
I agree it is wrong; however, there are a lot of people having trouble out there. I agree with the post that recommended buying them bread and sandwich meat or something of that nature. I never give money because I've seen people get scammed for what they believed was a good cause. It's unfortunate, but some people will do anything to earn a buck... Just keep them in your prayers and hope that God works on whatever needs they have. Good luck.
M.
It does concern me that someone has to have their kids begging for money outside a store. and my first response would be to buy a sack of groceries for them. I would also tell the mom to call 2-1-1 and they could provide her with a list of community resources that she might be able to get some help (with food and probably other things she needs) BUT, it concerns me that they have been outside the store all week. I would tell the manager how long they had been out there and let him talk to her. Is this turning into a scam or is it just an act of desperation?? There are laws against panhandling, but I don't know if they apply on public property?? I don't know--is this an issue for CPS or the police??
you could offer to buy them some bread and lunch meat instead of giving them money...if they truly need to eat they will have to accept the offer...i do not give people money if they are asking for money to eat...i will buy them something and give it to them before i just give out money...that way i know what the money was spent on and if they are really hungry they will eat it.
How about showing a little compassion for someone officially down on their luck and trying to do what she can to survive. Stop and offer to help and put yourself in her shoes.
omg what would you resort to if you couldn't feed your children G.? No it's not something we ever want to see but show some compassion and find something else to worry about
Tell hert to go to the Salvation Army.
It is probably illegal to panhandle in front of the store. I usually get the kids at the gas station which I hate, " mommy needs gas to get me to ........." I feel bad if I don't help them and they really needed it, but I have also seen those that I do help jump in the car and drive off. . So I would alert the police and the store manager and see where it goes from there.
