By Tony C. Spears
Over the last twenty years as a police officer, I have fed so many people on the streets who are less fortunate than me.
I grew up in the South between the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, a time when everyone helped each other out. I am very humble and thankful that I have been put in a position where I can make a difference in the lives of others. When people tell me they are hungry, it’s in my heart to feed them. I was once told that if you are not giving then you are not living.
One night I was looking for a place to eat around 10:30 p.m. This was after all the good restaurants were closed, and I was left to choose from several fast food locations. McDonald’s was usually my fast food restaurant of choice, so I drove to the location on my beat and ordered my favorite meal.
I pulled into the parking lot and made my way to the drive thru lane when I noticed what appeared to be a man in his 30’s standing near the menu board. Once I arrived at the board he said to me, “Officer I’m hungry, can you give me a dollar to buy a hamburger?”
I told the subject to wait for me just after the pick-up window and I would have something for him. He said OK and walked away.
I ordered my meal and ordered a Happy Meal for my new friend. He only asked for a hamburger but I got him a hamburger, fries, drink and a toy. After my purchase I handed the Happy Meal to my new friend. He said, “Thanks, but could you still loan me a dollar?” I told my new friend, “You said you were hungry so it’s in my heart to feed you, but I won’t help you buy drugs.”
Be careful of giving money to someone on the streets asking for money for food. Some of the people out panhandling have alcohol and substance abuse issues, and I’m sure you don’t want your hard earned money spent on beer, wine or drugs.
I suggest that if you are willing to help someone who claims to be hungry and needs money for food that you buy the food for them. By doing this you know your money actually was spent on food to feed someone in need. I will always feed people who are hungry when I’m able, I just won’t give them money.
