Sometimes That’s All You Can Do

When I was in college, I received several gift cards to a popular coffee shop chain for my birthday and Christmas. I was like many college kids and didn’t have a lot of actual money, so I could only afford my coffees because I had the gift cards.

In December, I decided to go get a peppermint mocha. It was quite cold outside and snowing. When I got to the shop, I saw a homeless man holding a sign that said, “Cold, Hungry, Anything Helps, God Bless.” I didn’t have any cash, but I had enough on the gift cards to spend, and I felt festive and in the spirit of giving.

Me: “Would you like me to buy you something warm, sir? A coffee or hot chocolate?”

Man: “I just want cash.”

Me: “I don’t have any cash, just gift cards, but I could buy you a sandwich and drink if you like. It’s awfully cold. Would you like something off their menu?”

Man: “I don’t want any food or drinks. I just want cash! What part of that didn’t you understand?”

Me: “Well, your sign says you are cold and hungry, so I thought you might want warm food. I don’t have any cash as I’m just a college student.”

Man: “Just give me some d*** cash already! If you can afford the coffee here, you have to have some.”

Me: “I’m sorry, sir. I guess I’m not able to help you.”

Man: “Rich b****. Can afford coffee but not help out the needy. Typical.”

I offered. I would have been glad to get him a drink and a sandwich or muffin, but I clearly couldn’t buy him whatever it was he wanted the cash for.