Editorial: Give to charities, not panhandlers

Most of them are spending your spare change on drugs. You can make sure it helps those in need. That's one of the main reasons why panhandlers stick around the University, says Penn's Office of Community Relations. Think panhandlers deteriorate from the quality of life in University City? The only way they'll go away is if you ignore them when they personally ask you for money. According to a recent study done for the Center City District, an estimated 50 percent to 80 percent of panhandlers spend their money on drugs. And on top of that, about half of panhandlers aren't even homeless. Instead of sparing your change for area panhandlers, drop it in charity boxes at the Wawa or 7-Eleven convenience stores, Le Bus restaurant or My Favorite Muffin. These stores and the University have teamed up to make it easier to donate money to local charities dedicated to helping those citizens who really do need a hot meal or a place to stay. University officials and local merchants claim success so far. But the program can only do so much: It's up to students, faculty members and staff to avoid the impulsive decision to give change to a panhandler. So if a panhandler accosts you, tell him or her that you donate to local charities -- and you're proud of it.