I was recently shopping on 5th avenue in New York City. I was on my way to Bergdorf’s, when I saw a woman huddled on the ground with a thin blanket wrapped around her. She looked to be in her fifties. She was shivering, as it was very, very cold out. She had a can next to her, and people were putting money into the can. This was one of the saddest things I had seen in a while!
I don’t carry cash on me, but if I had some, I definitely would have given it to her. Since I didn’t have cash, I decided to buy the woman a coat. Unfortunately, she was gone by the time I left Bergdorf’s.
my question to you is this: Do you give money to people on the street? Why or why not? Let’s Talk!!
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Leslie Wimes
President at Women on the Move
Leslie is the Founder of Women On The Move, and The Democratic African American Women Caucus, www.daawc.com. Follow her on social media for all exciting things concerning these two organizations.
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It has been a long time since I have had an encounter such as the one you experienced. But I can tell you that for years my sister and her husband would take homeless people into their homes. Clean them, clothe them, bathe them. Some went on their way and would come back from time to time. Some went on their way and were never seen again. One stayed till she died. She was a Holocaust victim and spoke very little English. Some my sister and brother and law helped get them back on their feet and/or to their families. Many a time we were in the kitchen cooking something up. They loved my mom’s biscuits with butter and jelly with some coffee or hot chocolate. I never saw them as anything but another human being that gave me the opportunity to help them. My Grandmother, and my great grandmother were the same way. Always feeding and helping someone….I always remember when I see someone in need>>>There but by the grace of God go I….Sorry for the lg reply. You brought back memories of things my momma taught me.
Thank you for the reply Maureen! I know everyone has heard stories about people who panhandle for a living. This woman was genuinely in trouble. It broke my heart. It sounds like you have a great, caring family!!