Why I Don’t Spare Spare Change? Free Essay Example

Paragraph 1 The author recalls phrases like “honest but poor” and “the deserving poor” from times when she learned about poverty and its victims. However, she would like to add a third category in which to put individuals who have ruined their lives through drugs and alcohol.

Paragraph 2 The author understands that giving money to charity is a worthwhile venture. However, she questions whether her giving money to a person on the street is enabling him and keeping him from getting help.

She further notes that he might be conning her.

Paragraph 3 The author furthers the ideas above by noting that private charity given to organizations like the United Way ensure that needy people will get the help they need. She understands that some panhandlers are needy, but wonders if she is not just funding the next drink or hit.

Paragraph 4 The author considers the beggars she encounters and notes that one that is regularly begging by the bus stop should be able to hold regular jobs.

She does not count street musicians because she is not part of their audience, and while she admits that she could afford two or three dollars a day to the beggars she normally sees, she just has the impression that they just don’t want to work.

Paragraph 5 The author concludes by acknowledging her intentions to continue giving money to charity, but not to panhandlers. She wants to make sure her money goes to someplace that will actually use it for its intended purpose.