It is almost always better to give money to your local food bank than to someone on the side of the road.

They buy in bulk, making the money go farther. Also, while casualties from panhandling are low, motor vehicle accidents are still common enough.

And yes, some people can’t make it to the food bank, but that’s a rarity. It’s done because they can get more that way than at a food bank. Unfortunately food banks can’t do the same (legal reasons).

waiting for the light

When I used to drive through the intersection where that situation would happen I’d ignore their requests for money (I didn’t have much) but unless I was in an especially bad mood I’d give them a friendly hello, and sometimes they’d be happy enough to stop and chat with someone who treated them like human being for a moment. Otherwise they’d ignore me and move on, which is also fine.

I need to do more to help the poor people around me.

As much as I understand that panhandling pays decently, it always really affects me to see someone who’s come to the point where that seems like the best option. If I had the money I would happily give them some, but unfortunately I rarely do. And I know that reenforces the behavior and I shouldn’t, but haven’t beggars always been a part of human culture? I’m not here to change that, I just want to be able to think I might have helped someone who needed it.

it pays well but requires dealing with public. so no thanks

assuming some of they are not well off people doing it.