Slammers at Walmart near WDW :(

[yoopermom]

I used to get really upset by the ones at the entrance to WalMart with a dog. Since I have dogs, and buy dog food and treats by the ton (ha), I started keeping gallon ziplocs of dog food and treats in the back seat, and then handing them to the homeless dog when I saw them. I also keep bottles of water in the car, and would give a few of those, too. Hopefully got used, and not sold, but at least I tried.

Terri

 

[Dakota731]

My friend bought a value meal from Wendy’s on Friday to give to a woman standing by the street with a “will work for food” sign. The woman threw it in the trash right in front of my friend. She only really wanted cash for drugs. Sad but true.

 

[adelaster]

I know this is a serious thread, but man, I sure got my hopes up from the title...

 

[RangerPooh]

Locally the panhandlers are using the cash collected for drugs. At work we recently had a director of a local homeless advocacy service visit our office to discuss local options. We learned about the various panhandlers that we pass daily and that almost all are scammers. Some have received housing and other services and sold all the items, including stripping apts of fixtures for the drug money.

 

[jen7233]

I don't get what was a scam? Pretending to count change when they didn't really need to, or also not really pregnant? Just wondering. But they weren't begging for money inside WalMart directly, right? If so, then yes that would be a problem. Maybe they really dress like this, unkept. Perhaps yes they were counting on pulling some heart strings of generous people. Hopefully your $20 went to food, or something useful, at least.

 

[Bree]

I understand your compassion and wanting to help.

Like others said the worst thing you can do is give money to people whether they are on the street corner or counting change in Walmart. Agencies that help the homeless even tell you not to give them money due to the overwhelming drug, alcohol and cigarette use. There are plenty of resources here in FL for low/no income pregnant mothers.

Disney property gives you this idyllic setting, but there are some really sketchy areas bordering the property.

 

[Eastern]

My friend bought a value meal from Wendy’s on Friday to give to a woman standing by the street with a “will work for food” sign. The woman threw it in the trash right in front of my friend. She only really wanted cash for drugs. Sad but true.

wow at least wait until she walks away...

 

[dclpluto]

I never give my money to anyone. Don’t trust anyone. I only give my money to the spca.

 

[tarheel618]

My friend bought a value meal from Wendy’s on Friday to give to a woman standing by the street with a “will work for food” sign. The woman threw it in the trash right in front of my friend. She only really wanted cash for drugs. Sad but true.

This is why I don't give. I have in the past but I guess Ive grown "cold" as I have aged. I think what finally stop me from giving was seeing a woman panhandling in a grocery store parking lot. I was eating at a Subway sitting at the window and just watching people. After a while, I see her walk across the street to the bank parking lot and get into a really nice SUV (much nicer than any car Ive ever owned) and drive away. At that point, I said never again. I work full-time and my husband does too and also has a part time job so that we can do things (like eat haha) so I guess that was my turning point of not giving to panhandlers.

 

[Dakota731]

andling in a grocery store parking lot. I was eating at a Subway sitting at the window and just watching people. After a while, I see her walk across the street to the bank parking lot and get into a really nice SUV

Our local paper did a story recently how a reporter folllowed a “homeless” person and the same thing happened. He got into a nice car and drove to a nice house. When the reporter rang the bell he admitted he wanted money for drugs. It’s very easy to get food stamps in our state so it’s not meals they are after. And I don’t want to be the person responsible for drugs going into someone’s arm! We give a lot of money to charity, but we give to our church and responsible charities that we have vetted.

 

[pate59]

The way my husband and I try to lead our lives, is if we wish to give to someone, we will continue to do so because in our hearts, we do it for the right reasons.
Regardless of how the $ is evidently used by them later on. That would be up to them to answer for a a later time (if that is what you may believe).
However, we are not stupid people, if it obviously a scam, I am the first to bring attention to it by contacting a manager or the police.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I grew up in a city that 60% of the residents live below the poverty line. I still work in the city. There are a lot of addicts, homeless and very poor people around my job. I never give money but i have given someone my lunch or bought them a hot meal when i see them scrounging for food in a trash can or begging. If they turn down me buying them food because they would rather have the cash i know they just want drugs.

 

[MEM]

How kind that you wanted to help.

I used to live in an area with a lot of panhandlers and homeless. One way you could tell those that were really hungry versus those that just wanted money for other things is to offer to buy them a meal or a few groceries. The ones that needed food were happy to accept, those that just wanted money would refuse or try to get you just to give them money instead.

My late father would do this! Offer to take the individual for a sandwich and a cup of coffee. Every single time they would back away like HE was crazy!? They wanted cash only.

 

[EveDallas]

Nope. I would have walked right past.

 

[mom2rose&john]

First and foremost, you have a kind heart. Unfortunately, there are many that will take advantage of that and I am sorry that you were scammed. Don't let that deter you from being kind and donating to legit organizations.