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Pay it Forward - Seven Bucks

By Belinda Spillman

Real Estate Agent with Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado CRE# 40005863

July 23, 2011 03:32 AM

I was leaving the office and sitting at the light at I-25 and Belleview. There was a young man holding a carboard sign that said "Passing Through - Down on Luck".

It wasn't the typical "Will Work For Food" sign so it caught my eye.

I must say that he was filthy. He looked like he hadn't bathed in at least a week. I thought, what if he really is trying to get somewhere and is just out of money.

I know there are people who pan-handle for a living and go home to a house and car and what-not. I didn't get that impression from this guy.

I rolled down my window and handed him all the dollar bills in my console - which equated to seven bucks.

I don't know if I was a sucker, but I felt good that my donation might actually make a difference to him.

He didn't say "God Bless You" like so many of them do. He simply smiled and said "Hey thanks a lot".

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Richie Alan Naggar

people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA

agent & author

I have experimented with this...You meet many types of people and some are needy and some are after a fast buck. Helping remains subjective. I have offered food and have been turned down. I also see many of the panhandlers making their way to the liquor stores before they bed down for the night...For all involved, it remains a constant reflection of life...stark life

Jul 23, 2011 03:41 AM

Jeremy Wrenn

Winslow Homes - Youngsville, NC

VP of Finance, Winslow Homes

Belinda, that's a great gesture. You can't control what he does with your gift, but you can give to take care of the poor and those in need.

Thanks for caring for him!

Jul 23, 2011 03:42 AM

Connie Harvey

Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN

Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Belinda, you can only do what you feel is best. Who really ever knows with many of them. Have a great weekend.

Jul 23, 2011 03:46 AM

Judith Parker

ProStead Realty - Charlotte, NC

CRS, GRI, CMRS, Charlotte, NC

Hi Belinda, it is felt right to you then you did the right thing. Nice pay it forward and have a great week-end.

Jul 23, 2011 04:11 AM

Will Hamm

Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO

"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Belinda, I know that you must of been impressed with this guy because you gave him something and he was probably happy with what you gave him.

Jul 23, 2011 04:24 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Belinda --- while I am not prone to giving handouts on the street, I can't fault you for following your own instincts. Hey, aren't you suppose to be sipping umbrella drinks poolside this weekend???

Jul 23, 2011 11:02 AM

Brin Realty Associates Team At Bean Group

Bean Group | Brin Realty Associates - Amherst, NH

Amherst NH homes and Southern NH real estate

Good girl Belinda, if he needed the money $7 was huge to him...

yeah what Michael said, aren't you supposed to be relaxing by the pool and splashing around with your flippers?

Jul 23, 2011 11:45 AM

Cliff Keith

SF Bay Homes - Redwood City, CA

Redwood City Real Estate

Good going. He seems at least in your mind that your random act of kindness was helpful.

It may have been and again it may have bought a pint of whiskey. It doesn't matter. You felt good and after all isn't that the part of charity that helps humanity continue to be giving?

Now you have made me aware of your act of random kindness and maybe I will be inspired to do likewise. As may other who read your post.

Jul 23, 2011 01:21 PM

Jill Sackler

Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500 - Long Beach, NY

LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate

I can't figure out if his response to your generous donation makes him more or less sincere.

Jul 23, 2011 03:35 PM

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400

The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY

Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Belinda, Every single act of kindness has a ripple effect ~ it was though a strange response from him though (?)

Jul 23, 2011 11:03 PM

Not a real person

San Diego, CA

And here I thought you were on vacation in Las Vegas! You’re not supposed to blog when you’re on vacation. It’s against the law.

Jul 24, 2011 04:59 AM

Shannon Milligan, Richmond VA Real Estate Agent/Associate Broker

RVA Home Team - Richmond, VA

RVA Home Team - Winning with Integrity.

I always tell others who think I am a sucker for giving money or food to others this "my conscience is clean. what they do with that money is on their conscience!"

Jul 24, 2011 01:32 PM

Belinda Spillman

Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO

Colorado Living!

Hey guys. I was on vacation. Luckily I had typed my pay it forward and posted it in draft mode. Then my trusty partner Will was able to go in there and post it for me. What a guy!

Jul 24, 2011 01:57 PM

Pay it Forward - Seven Bucks

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