Best of times and the worst of times.

[dplars]

How blessed we are. Yesterday at Murphy gas station on 441 by Wal Mart there was a family asking for help, man and wife with three children, she was by Wal-mart, he was at Murphy's station with a gas can asking for fuel. As I was filling up, I motioned him over and filled up his container and asked where he was from. The family was from Romania, he said he was a painter and just lost his job and living in a hotel. How desperate this man had to be begging to take care of his family. His gas can was full and that was the end of the conversation. This bothered me, for not offering further assistance and wondering how he got into this country. His English was quite broken. Went back today hoping to find them, no luck. How sheltered and privileged we are living in this cocoon called The Villages. Have a great day.

[MikeV]

Nice story.

[graciegirl]

http://www.wflx.com/story/22976198/gypsy-bandits-invade-south-florida

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-07-03/news/fl-gypsy-crime-groups-20110703_1_gypsy-criminals-bunco-investigators-police-focus


That was very kind, but I also know that some folks make a living standing out there.

[Mleeja]

How blessed we are. Yesterday at Murphy gas station on 441 by Wal Mart there was a family asking for help, man and wife with three children, she was by Wal-mart, he was at Murphy's station with a gas can asking for fuel. As I was filling up, I motioned him over and filled up his container and asked where he was from. The family was from Romania, he said he was a painter and just lost his job and living in a hotel. How desperate this man had to be begging to take care of his family. His gas can was full and that was the end of the conversation. This bothered me, for not offering further assistance and wondering how he got into this country. His English was quite broken. Went back today hoping to find them, no luck. How sheltered and privileged we are living in this cocoon called The Villages. Have a great day.

Paying it forward is always a good thing. May blessings come to you.

[virgind]

I've heard this story before but cant remember where. It is a scam, sorry.

[dplars]

Could be a scam but don't think so, begging for money, yes, gas.....well, I'll never know and sorry Gracie, he didn't get close to my back door or wallet.

[Packer Fan]

I would suggest that you read the articles Gracie girl posted, or maybe some of the many expose's that have been done on panhandling and begging. Most of these people make a living at it. They often use children to beg for them or as props. It is wonderful to help those in need, but I would suggest giving to a worthy charity. Just my thoughts, but I can tell you stories of beggars asking me for money for food that I offered to take to McDonalds and buy them a burger and they declined... It is sad but true.

[bagboy]

I think more than likely they we're not what the OP thought. What I will vigorously disagree with is the sheltered and privileged description of those of us who are Villagers. My wife and I worked hard and made many sacrifices throughout our lifetime in order to be able to afford the retired lifestyle we now enjoy. Over the years we have donated to many organizations and charities, and helped out a relative and friend or two along the way.
We both come from tough neighborhoods, but hard working blue collar neighborhoods. If we couldn't work for and pay for it, we did without. Never, and I mean never would we beg, borrow, or steal anything from anyone. So no, we are not privileged and for darned sure not sheltered. Ninety nine out of one hundred help me requests on the streets are at the very least shady.

[Villager Joyce]

I think more than likely they we're not what the OP thought. What I will vigorously disagree with is the sheltered and privileged description of those of us who are Villagers. My wife and I worked hard and made many sacrifices throughout our lifetime in order to be able to afford the retired lifestyle we now enjoy. Over the years we have donated to many organizations and charities, and helped out a relative and friend or two along the way.
We both come from tough neighborhoods, but hard working blue collar neighborhoods. If we couldn't work for and pay for it, we did without. Never, and I mean never would we beg, borrow, or steal anything from anyone. So no, we are not privileged and for darned sure not sheltered. Ninety nine out of one hundred help me requests on the streets are at the very least shady.

Amen!

[Sandtrap328]

Yes, we are blessed to be in The Villages. Let's not look down upon those that need help.

I see it every week. There are also those that are takers. However, I would rather err on the side of Matthew:25 than on the callous side.

[redwitch]

Whether or not a scam is irrelevant. A true kindness was done for another. If the recipient is a slime bag preying on peoples' sympathies then shame on him. Bless you for helping one in need.

I give to certain charities. I donate my time to certain organizations. I will also stop and help those in need, whether that is a lost Villager or a panhandler. What they do with the help is their choice. I can only do what is right for me.

[bkcunningham1]

How blessed we are. Yesterday at Murphy gas station on 441 by Wal Mart there was a family asking for help, man and wife with three children, she was by Wal-mart, he was at Murphy's station with a gas can asking for fuel. As I was filling up, I motioned him over and filled up his container and asked where he was from. The family was from Romania, he said he was a painter and just lost his job and living in a hotel. How desperate this man had to be begging to take care of his family. His gas can was full and that was the end of the conversation. This bothered me, for not offering further assistance and wondering how he got into this country. His English was quite broken. Went back today hoping to find them, no luck. How sheltered and privileged we are living in this cocoon called The Villages. Have a great day.

Whether it was a scam or not, deplars, God bless you. You followed your heart and you helped. I know I am blessed. I look at it as a form of tithing. I know it will come back to you tenfold. You planted good seeds and you will reap good from our faithful act.

[TrudyM]

I read an article awhile back in the Seattle times they had gone out and offered the panhandlers work and only one out of 30 approached took the job. Several admitted that if they worked they would make between 15 and 17 dollars and hour and that they average 20 to 30 panhandling a most will give them at least a $5.

[Beechie]

I think more than likely they we're not what the OP thought. What I will vigorously disagree with is the sheltered and privileged description of those of us who are Villagers. My wife and I worked hard and made many sacrifices throughout our lifetime in order to be able to afford the retired lifestyle we now enjoy. Over the years we have donated to many organizations and charities, and helped out a relative and friend or two along the way.
We both come from tough neighborhoods, but hard working blue collar neighborhoods. If we couldn't work for and pay for it, we did without. Never, and I mean never would we beg, borrow, or steal anything from anyone. So no, we are not privileged and for darned sure not sheltered. Ninety nine out of one hundred help me requests on the streets are at the very least shady.

Well said bagboy. I have no issues with people giving especially when the heart strings are being tugged. However, I would prefer to give to those who are clearly in need but will not reach for a hand out due to pride. Randon acts of kindness are wonderful and nothing makes me feel better than to have participated in that on a number of occasions in my lifetime. However, nothing makes me feel worse than feeling like I have just been fleeced.

No one can say with certainty if this was a scam but it does have all the the earmarks of being such. Scammers are like seagulls and as long as we keep feeding them they will keep coming back.

If you don't care if you are being fleeced and still feel good that you have given then I say knock yourself out.

[SheilaO]

I agree with Redwitch and BKcunningham - you have a compassion heart…that is what counts!

[kcrazorbackfan]

Gypsy bandits invade South Florida - Fox29 WFLX TV, West Palm Beach, FL-news & weather (http://www.wflx.com/story/22976198/gypsy-bandits-invade-south-florida)

Police focus on South Florida 'gypsy crimes' sparks criticism - Sun Sentinel (http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-07-03/news/fl-gypsy-crime-groups-20110703_1_gypsy-criminals-bunco-investigators-police-focus)


That was very kind, but I also know that some folks make a living standing out there.

I totally agree, Gracie. There are people making a good living doing this. I happened to notice the same guy at I-29 and Barry Rd. in KC for about a week, so one day, with nothing else to do, I sat in a parking lot and watched him for a couple of hours. This is a real busy intersection and quite a number of vehicles stopped and donated to him. This guy was really looked the homeless part - ratty clothes, unkempt hair, the homeless sign. He finished his "shift" and I watched him walk to a late model BMW and lo and behold, two females (appeared to be his wife and daughter, also looking the homeless part) that had been at other intersections on the other side of I-29 got into the Bimmer also. My curiosity was peaked at that point, so I discreetly (like I was back working "undercover") followed them to their home; turned out to be in a neighborhood of $350k and up homes. Apparently, they were making a very good living.

[Chi-Town]

I totally agree, Gracie. There are people making a good living doing this. I happened to notice the same guy at I-29 and Barry Rd. in KC for about a week, so one day, with nothing else to do, I sat in a parking lot and watched him for a couple of hours. This is a real busy intersection and quite a number of vehicles stopped and donated to him. This guy was really looked the homeless part - ratty clothes, unkempt hair, the homeless sign. He finished his "shift" and I watched him walk to a late model BMW and lo and behold, two females (appeared to be his wife and daughter, also looking the homeless part) that had been at other intersections on the other side of I-29 got into the Bimmer also. My curiosity was peaked at that point, so I discreetly (like I was back working "undercover") followed them to their home; turned out to be in a neighborhood of $350k and up homes. Apparently, they were making a very good living.
Not exactly True Detective but a good day's work. You're going to have a blast here when you're full time.

[joldnol]

I think more than likely they we're not what the OP thought. What I will vigorously disagree with is the sheltered and privileged description of those of us who are Villagers. My wife and I worked hard and made many sacrifices throughout our lifetime in order to be able to afford the retired lifestyle we now enjoy. Over the years we have donated to many organizations and charities, and helped out a relative and friend or two along the way.
We both come from tough neighborhoods, but hard working blue collar neighborhoods. If we couldn't work for and pay for it, we did without. Never, and I mean never would we beg, borrow, or steal anything from anyone. So no, we are not privileged and for darned sure not sheltered. Ninety nine out of one hundred help me requests on the streets are at the very least shady.

I commend your hard work. Most of us did the same thing with similar results. I do take issue with the notion we aren't privileged in the Villages. While we all worked hard, we were lucky to be born in the economic sweet spot called the baby boom. An economic time where a working man could join the middle class. For Millennials, this is a pipe dream. I too, came from a blue collar family ( Dad was an enlisted man in the Navy) but I had the privilege of growing up in a stable, loving two parent family. Many kids today aren't that fortunate. I had the privilege of being born white in the United States of America. I'm privileged my Lord blessed me with the means and intelligence to live like we do.

Drive 10 minutes from TV in any direction and you will see how privileged we are. Most of those poor people you see in surrounding communities didn't become poor through lack of hard work.

[dbussone]

I appreciate GGs wisdom but every once in awhile an opportunity presents itself.

I drove to Gainesville yesterday to watch my eldest granddaughter play in a high school lacrosse game. As I pulled off I75 to turn left there was a gentleman with a sign asking for help. I called him over and handed him a bill. He blessed me and then looked down at the bill (it was a ten). He started crying when he saw what it was. I thanked him for blessing me by taking it. I was tearing up as I drove away. Whatever his motive, the tears were sincere. God has blessed me and I was happy to pass those blessings along.

[Walt.]

Gypsy bandits invade South Florida - Fox29 WFLX TV, West Palm Beach, FL-news & weather (http://www.wflx.com/story/22976198/gypsy-bandits-invade-south-florida)

Police focus on South Florida 'gypsy crimes' sparks criticism - Sun Sentinel (http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-07-03/news/fl-gypsy-crime-groups-20110703_1_gypsy-criminals-bunco-investigators-police-focus)


That was very kind, but I also know that some folks make a living standing out there.

Watch out Gracie. You're absolutely correct... but some folks don't care and will think that you're just mean. We're in the Villages because somehow we're just "privileged and lucky to be born in the baby boom generation." What nonsense. If the guy had a fuel can he apparently had a car. There have actually been gun fights over the "rights" to certain begging corners.

[Barefoot]

Whether or not a scam is irrelevant. A true kindness was done for another. If the recipient is a slime bag preying on peoples' sympathies then shame on him. Bless you for helping one in need.
I give to certain charities. I donate my time to certain organizations. I will also stop and help those in need, whether that is a lost Villager or a panhandler. What they do with the help is their choice. I can only do what is right for me.

:agree::agree::agree::agree::agree: Well said, Redwitch!

[Bonanza]

I appreciate GGs wisdom but every once in awhile an opportunity presents itself.

I drove to Gainesville yesterday to watch my eldest granddaughter play in a high school lacrosse game. As I pulled off I75 to turn left there was a gentleman with a sign asking for help. I called him over and handed him a bill. He blessed me and then looked down at the bill (it was a ten). He started crying when he saw what it was. I thanked him for blessing me by taking it. I was tearing up as I drove away. Whatever his motive, the tears were sincere. God has blessed me and I was happy to pass those blessings along.

In reading your post, my thought was that you did a good dead. There are always exceptions to one's opinion of the homeless and not all of them certainly, are something other than what they appear to be -- homeless, no job, down on their luck, etc.

I always give to a homeless type person when they have a pet . . . always. I carry pet food in my car for just that reason. I figure if I give them money, I don't know where it will go, but if I give them food for their dog, it will go to the dog and they don't have to buy it.

I have also given to those who seem genuine. I think you just have to go with your gut.

[dotti105]

This bubble called "The Villages" is located in the poorest section of the state. There are many people surrounding us who are truly needy.

I can not and will not judge another person. Especially one who appears to be needy. None of us know any other person's true story. "There, but for the grace of God, go I."

If someone is running a scam, shame on them. If I fail to help a person in need, shame on me.

[CarolSells]

[QUOTE=dotti105;1017879]This bubble called "The Villages" is located in the poorest section of the state. There are many people surrounding us who are truly needy.

I can not and will not judge another person. Especially one who appears to be needy. None of us know any other person's true story. "There, but for the grace of God, go I."

If someone is running a scam, shame on them. If I fail to help a person in need, shame on me.[/QUOTE}

Thank you. Dotti. That was one of my mother's favorite sayings.

I also commend the posters who saw buying the gas as an act of kindness. The main point here is that it made the OP feel good. Maybe it was an angel with a gas can put in that very spot at that exact time to give someone an opportunity to do a good deed! :wave:

[graciegirl]

I appreciate GGs wisdom but every once in awhile an opportunity presents itself.

I drove to Gainesville yesterday to watch my eldest granddaughter play in a high school lacrosse game. As I pulled off I75 to turn left there was a gentleman with a sign asking for help. I called him over and handed him a bill. He blessed me and then looked down at the bill (it was a ten). He started crying when he saw what it was. I thanked him for blessing me by taking it. I was tearing up as I drove away. Whatever his motive, the tears were sincere. God has blessed me and I was happy to pass those blessings along.


You have made me want to find a corner. You are a good man DBussone .

It is always right to "do for the least of them" as it says in the good book and the stranger at your door may be Christ if you turn him away.

I hope I am not mean. I only want to tell you that this is the time of the year that the "travelers", the gypsies from Romania, would come around. This is a true story. I worked in the Catholic Religious article store in Columbus when I was in school and every year during Lent the gypsies would come and they would come to our store and shoplift rosaries and Missals. I don't know why, but it would happen.

There are still gypsies and I imagine there are all kinds. I don't understand their way of life.

There are people truly in need and there are those who would take advantage of your kindness. You are all adults and don't need my advice.

You warm my heart with your kindness but I still want to watch out for you..

[gomoho]

Nice gesture, but I agree they were probably gypsies. At least they're out there begging instead of just collecting money from the government.

[Whit53]

All of us living here are so fortunate to be blessed to have this quality of life. Yes, we all worked hard to get here, but I also know there could have been a couple turns in our road that would have changed our life dramatically. Am I so naive to think there aren't scammers out there, no not at all. Me for one will ALWAYS help out others when I see children involved. Could I be taken? Maybe, but I'd rather to be the one with my heart in the right place and live with my conscience. I have no control over others but always want to keep a kind compassionate heart. If I've been taken a few times in my life so be it. God knows I gave with only the best intentions.
To those who say I'd never do this or that you never know until you walk in someone's shoes.

[Barefoot]

This bubble called "The Villages" is located in the poorest section of the state. There are many people surrounding us who are truly needy.
I can not and will not judge another person. Especially one who appears to be needy. None of us know any other person's true story.
"There, but for the grace of God, go I."
If someone is running a scam, shame on them. If I fail to help a person in need, shame on me.

All of us living here are so fortunate to be blessed to have this quality of life.
To those who say I'd never do this or that you never know until you walk in someone's shoes.

I agree with Dotti and Whit, you never know until you walk in someone's shoes.
There probably are "career beggars". But it's my belief that most people who are reduced to begging have a genuine need.
I'd rather be generous than turn my back on someone who genuinely needs help.
We all need to make our own decisions in life about people who beg, who we trust, and which charities to support.

[joldnol]

This bubble called "The Villages" is located in the poorest section of the state. There are many people surrounding us who are truly needy.

I can not and will not judge another person. Especially one who appears to be needy. None of us know any other person's true story. "There, but for the grace of God, go I."

If someone is running a scam, shame on them. If I fail to help a person in need, shame on me.

nice post

[Justus]

I think more than likely they we're not what the OP thought. What I will vigorously disagree with is the sheltered and privileged description of those of us who are Villagers. My wife and I worked hard and made many sacrifices throughout our lifetime in order to be able to afford the retired lifestyle we now enjoy. Over the years we have donated to many organizations and charities, and helped out a relative and friend or two along the way.
We both come from tough neighborhoods, but hard working blue collar neighborhoods. If we couldn't work for and pay for it, we did without. Never, and I mean never would we beg, borrow, or steal anything from anyone. So no, we are not privileged and for darned sure not sheltered. Ninety nine out of one hundred help me requests on the streets are at the very least shady.

Amen! and Ditto! During my career, I saw more than one business bankrupted by gypsies, who claim it is their "right" to beg, borrow and steal, rather than work. In the early 1990's, the city of Spokane, Washington, was sued for daring to arrest the head of a "Rom" clan who ran a huge burglary and fencing operation. At the time of his arrest, he had more than $1,000,000 in cash and a warehouse full of stolen goods. His "family" did exactly as the OP described. There are so many agencies here that help the impoverished; the "privileged" Villagers, who have worked their entire lives to finally retire in comfort, support those charities quite generously, thank you!

I am sick to the gills of hearing Villagers called "fat cats", just because most of us lived frugal, productive, honest lives before retiring here. It's the story of the grasshopper and the ant all over again, day after day.

People have the right to do whatever it takes to make themselves feel worthy. That said, a "good deed" is diminished in my eyes when it is publicized or used to make the doer feel superior by disparaging those whose beliefs don't validate their act...including those who have achieved something in life through their own hard work and industry. BTW, the "winning of life's lottery" thing doesn't cut any mustard with me.

[2BNTV]

I think it's always a good idea to be careful when making a contribution to charity, to ensure the monies go where their suppose to, and not just to admin fees of people running an organization.

I have a hard time deciding if someone on the street is genuine or not. Whether the money given goes to something needed, as opposed to, something wanted.

A beggar asked a friend of mine for money, and she asked him if he was hungry as she would but him a sandwich, He refused her offer.

At the risk of sounding insensitive, I will not enable someone asking for money, if that money goes for ill gotten purposes, or something that will affect their health negatively, like alcohol. IMHO

[dbussone]

You have made me want to find a corner. You are a good man DBussone .



It is always right to "do for the least of them" as it says in the good book and the stranger at your door may be Christ if you turn him away.



I hope I am not mean. I only want to tell you that this is the time of the year that the "travelers", the gypsies from Romania, would come around. This is a true story. I worked in the Catholic Religious article store in Columbus when I was in school and every year during Lent the gypsies would come and they would come to our store and shoplift rosaries and Missals. I don't know why, but it would happen.



There are still gypsies and I imagine there are all kinds. I don't understand their way of life.



There are people truly in need and there are those who would take advantage of your kindness. You are all adults and don't need my advice.



You warm my heart with your kindness but I still want to watch out for you..


Don't find a corner or considered yourself mean, Gracie. I normally avoid pan handlers. This guy just had a different demeanor- like he felt defeated. And I have been very blessed. I just felt it was the right thing to do. And I think I made the right decision.

And I appreciate very much your having my back!

[Fraugoofy]

I appreciate GGs wisdom but every once in awhile an opportunity presents itself.

I drove to Gainesville yesterday to watch my eldest granddaughter play in a high school lacrosse game. As I pulled off I75 to turn left there was a gentleman with a sign asking for help. I called him over and handed him a bill. He blessed me and then looked down at the bill (it was a ten). He started crying when he saw what it was. I thanked him for blessing me by taking it. I was tearing up as I drove away. Whatever his motive, the tears were sincere. God has blessed me and I was happy to pass those blessings along.
You are a wonderful person.

[dbussone]

You are a wonderful person.


I appreciate your saying that but I consider myself a work in progress with quite a way to go.