There are a number of agencies and organizations in the world designed strictly to assist people who are less fortunate than others. No matter how many systems you put in place to screen applicants there will always be someone who will take advantage of the programs. I recall many years ago when a friend of mine said she was going to put her children names on the “Angel Tree,” a system designed to allow people with more to purchase and drop-off toys and clothes for those less fortunate. I knew that my friend could afford to shop for her children’s Christmas presents, so I asked her why would she do that. Her response was, so her kids would get more gifts.
I’m the kind of person who always feels guilty about accepting handouts even if I need them. I remember when I was on public assistance with my first child, I kept telling my mother that I wanted to find a job because I hated having to depend on that tiny little check and food stamps. Even today I have to be at my wits end before I go to anyone for assistance. On the few occasions in my adult life when I lost a job or my financial situation took a turn, I was able to snap back to reality without the world knowing the magnitude of my situation. I’ve been to food banks but never to clothes closets, and I still visit the food pantry at my church on occasion, because there is always more food than the congregation can take. It does help when you can pick up a few veggies or occasional meat before you do your grocery list.
Unfortunately there are many in this world who always have their hands out and no matter what you do it never seems to be enough. I firmly believe that after a certain age in life it is mandatory that you be your own rescue. I don’t mean that you should never borrow money or a cup of sugar, but how many times are you going to start over and keep asking people to hold you up while you get back on your feet?
