Quote Originally Posted by Carrie View Post
I am so with those that do not give monetary handouts or buy for the sake of the smile. It so interrupts a way of life that we intrude on. Be it a good or bad idea, I brought some balloons and sidewalk chalk and had a few precious moments of colour and being engaged. I can guarantee you will be more remembered than your 100$ Jamaican and you too will be charmed.
You really shouldn't give anything out at all. It all feeds the problem, whether it's money, candy, chalk, whatever. If you want to do something to help, as others have said, give to the churches or other community groups. Having them "remember you" is precisely what creates the problems that Marko described above.