Today, I fucked up by giving a homeless man some well-intended items.
Today I was pulling into the Target parking lot when I saw a man on a nearby sidewalk that said “Living in van, anything will help, God bless.” I saw a shabby-looking van behind him that was filled with blankets, boxes, a large water bottle, etc. The man also had a dog with him. I am a sucker for animals, and this man really did seem to be going through a rough time. Also it’s Lent, so I figured that it would be a good idea to be more charitable. (For the record, I do not normally give directly to people with cardboard signs on the street because I know there are much better ways of helping the economically disadvantaged and that many beggars are scammers.)
So during my shopping trip, during which I got a lot of toiletries for myself, I picked up some extra items that I knew would be helpful for someone living in their car: unscented baby wipes, hand sanitizer, a pack of those one-use toothbrush things, a Target gift card, and a Starbucks gift card [Starbuckses are nice and clean, and if you buy one coffee or food item, you can hang out there all day], as well as some high-protein trail mix, instant coffee packets, and multivitamins. I also got a some dog food, dog treats, and some “entertain your dog for hours!” bones. included a small note on a ripped out piece of paper asking the man to stay positive and giving him information about several charities in the area.
Unfortunately, once I left the Target, the man, his van, and his dog where nowhere to be seen. I did a lap around the surrounding block but couldn’t find him. I was disappointed but decided to head home.
On my way back, I passed a corner that I drive by at least twice a day if not more. There’s always a man begging on that corner. He stands there every day with a sign asking for money. He has come up to my car before to beg and I have never given him anything. But today, I had two bags full of “things for a homeless person” in my car and decided what the hell, hopefully this will help him.
So I pulled over, rolled down my window and motioned for him to come closer. I had to reach into my backseat to grab the bags, which was a little bit awkward, but I was able to pass them through the window. He thanked me, placed the bags on a bench, took off his hat and clutched it to his chest, which was interesting because I learned that he was bald under the hat he always wears. I said something like “God bless you, have a nice day!” and drove away.
Once I got home, I looked at the rest of my Target bags and realized that I had the hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, gift cards, and food that I had purchased for him with me still. I had my receipt and found out that I was missing the bag that most of my toiletries were in. I also realized that I had given him all of the dog stuff, despite his lack of dog.
UPDATE:
I saw him again today and gave him the back of other items. He laughed and said thanks anyway and that he gave the items he didn’t need to his shelter.
TIFU: Internet`s best fucked up stories are here.
