Steal change, not spare change
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010Someone stole the “Real Change, Not Spare Change” container from Worden’s Market in downtown Missoula on Sunday.
Employees working at the time of the theft estimated that the jar contained about $20. The employees also identified a likely culprit, a homeless man, and police confirmed they have identified a suspect.
However, no charges have been filed, and because the theft is less than $1,000, it would be a misdemeanor anyway.
Still, it’s tough to ignore the irony.
The Real Change program was founded in 2001 by the Missoula Downtown Association and is now administered by the Downtown Business Improvement District.
The purpose of the program is to funnel donations to aid agencies rather than dole coin out to panhandlers, who long ago realized Missoula’s generous citizens are always good for a couple bucks.
That’s why The Garden City has been nicknamed The Huckleberry by our transient population: We’re easy pickings.
“The purpose of the program is to funnel donations to aid agencies rather than dole coin out to panhandlers, who long ago realized Missoula’s generous citizens are always good for a couple bucks.”
And I’ve heard the vast majority goes to paying the salaries of people administrating the agencies. This is probably the biggest direct benefit the “real change” program has had to the homeless in its history. Ha.
Well, “realitycheck”, here’s a reality check: Meaningful aid requires a responsible administrator. If you’d like all of your dollars to directly “benefit” a panhandler, buy him/her a pint of McCormick’s Vodka. That would be doubly helpful on your part, as the person benefitting is probably not allowed in the nearest liquor store on account of a history of theft. If that doesn’t jive with your intent, donate to the charity of your choice, one of which might be “Real Change”, whose beneficieries include clients of the Pov, Sal’s, and the food bank. You’ll have to pay a percentage for an administrator to work hard to make sure your dollars are well spent, but you’ll sleep easier knowing your’s was not the dollar needed for a person to die of “exposure” on Higgins.
Downtowner-
This sticks out:
“That would be doubly helpful on your part, as the person benefitting is probably not allowed in the nearest liquor store on account of a history of theft.”
I’m assuming you have this information because you are in some way affiliated with the MPD. I won’t be lectured to by a hired thug who regularly practices racial profiling and cover ups assaults on detained individuals.
I’d sooner give a dollar to someone who needs it that to contribute to Ms. Hills sumptuous $60,000 salary.
I’m not a cop, RC. Here’s hoping you know the difference between a guy who needs it and a guy who wants it.