Have you ever given money to a person with a sign at a freeway offramp? Did you wonder what their story was? Did you feel good giving a gift, knowing it would help someone in need?
I’ve seen hundreds of people with signs over the years. Many populate the popular off-ramps of the Southern California Freeways near my house. It’s interesting that some off-ramps are more popular than others. Usually it’s the ones that back up where all of the cars don’t make it through the signal. There you are sitting in your car, stuck in traffic trying not to make eye contact with a disadvantaged person and the guilt hits you.
What do you do? You probably look at their sign and quickly try to find out their story. Some signs are clear. Others are hard to read. Almost all of them are on ragged cardboard. You’ve literally got seconds to make a decision. Do you reach for your wallet or purse, or do you just look away, trying not to make eye contact?
The ones with a child or dog are especially hard. This is my family, we are broke, the sign says. Can you help?