[dbphillips]

The various "better dressed" panhandles (highway corner at 42/441) carry buckets with "For the Children" with no additional Information. I called the Marion county law inforcement :cop: telling them of this continual problem. No action was taken.
It would be interesting to find out if there is a legitimate "For the Children" program sponsored by any group. It appears to be a program which supports the people doing the panhandling ;D.
Dangerous stepping into traffic could cause problems for any driver trying to negotiate the corner at 42/441, as well as for the panhandler or "Children,"
This has been going on for the four years we've lived in the Villages and doesn't seem to be declining. One of my neighbors said such a group was up in Jacksonville and were ran off by county officials since they were an endangerment to traffic and not legitimate.
The group in Marion county cross in and out of traffic, it's a good thing that they can afford orange vests for some of the "help."
This group has also been seen at the median at 27/441 and the stop lights to Walmart and CVS. Recently the man who used to sit there with his dog and a torn out cardboard hand written sign has returned minus the dog and they reverted to highway 42/441 crossing.
My personal advice is NOT to give money without knowing knowing more about the organization involved. Too, if no one gives them money they'll move on or move away. Don't give food or water. After all, this is a professional organized group and really should provide food and water to their workers.
If you want to give food to anyone support the food bank for people in the local area. Good place to donate. Too, you'll then know it's going to help people who really need help.