Antonio on Your Corner

How do you respond to the folks standing on corners with their sad signs? 

This week I had a short piece of writing published online, my experience of responding to beggars in Spain. (Read it from the link, if you haven't already.) Many of the readers left me comments.

One friend shared that a homeless person advised she’d do more good handing out snacks than to give the person money. 

Another said their church assembled homeless care packages. She keeps several in her car to hand out the window when someone approaches her at a red light. That’s a great idea, one I keep meaning to do. 

You have encouraged me that it is time to dump my good intentions and act. Here are some suggestions for care bags.

• Granola bar

• Fruit snacks

• Applesauce

• Crackers with peanut butter or cheese

• Water bottle

• Warm socks

• Hand wipes

• Lifesavers or sugar-free gum

• Chapstick

• Deodorant (Old Spice Fiji scent works for men or women)

• Hand lotion

• Dental floss

• Hand written note

• Good book

• List of free resources in your area for addictions and veterans

I think I'll involve my grandkids, too. This needs to be a habit of mercy.