Having been on both ends of this, I can definitely say that actions like that (going out of your way to help) make a huge difference. Not just for a moment, but a long, long time.

I missed this post and happened upon it now. I do this every year - give money to a local inner city charity in the name of all my friends in lieu of giving them gifts. The charity sends out a card that says “a donation has been made to Bissell center in your name by Darlene”. I also volunteer my time at their New Year’s dinner where we feed about 1000 homeless and impoverished people lunch (all food is donated by local caterer and served by volunteers) Rob’s coming with me this year.

I often do the same as you and buy a panhandler lunch instead of giving them money. I ran into a couple that was obviously down on their luck - I was coming out of a Tokyo Express. They asked for money and I asked if they were hungry - they said yes. I offered to take them in and buy them lunch, the man stayed outside - he was too embarassed by his appearance and smell to go in. The lady came in and I was guessing that she likely couldn’t read cause when I asked her to pick from the menu, she said anything was fine. So I asked her if she liked chicken and ordered two bowls of terriyaki chicken, and told her to get 2 drinks out of the cooler. She came back with one and said they could share. Then the bill came to like $12 and she told me that was too much, she couldn’t ask me to do that and to just get one bowl and they’d share - I didn’t of course.

She hugged me and said “bless you” as I left and she waited for the food.

Outside the man thanked me too. They still have dignity and love to be treated as human beings and with respect. Everyone needs love.

I also have a pet peeve about “Christmas charities” that provide a festive meal to needy families. the money they spend on giving turkey to someone could feed a whole family for a month - not just one festive meal. What do they do after that? How do they stay warm? Don’t get me started.