I Got Duped!

I'm so irritated. I went to Target today - that's not the irritating part- and on my way out a homeless man came asking for money. I usually don't give any money to pan handlers because first of all, I usually don't carry any cash, just my debit card, and second, I guess I'm a little cynical and I assume they'll use the money for alcohol or cigarettes. So at first I told him no and started loading my car. Then I started thinking about the time of year, and that I should give service and help those in need. And I started remembering my scripture reading from last night, about having charity, and helping less fortunate. So my guilt finally got the best of me and I waved the guy back over and gave him a dollar bill. Not much, but I figured I at least did something good. I had that good feeling, knowing I helped someone out, until he quickly ran to the next aisle of cars and started running and waved down his friend that was working that row of cars, and then I saw them whistle down a car that was driving through the parking lot, run and hop in the car and peel out. Did he think I couldn't see him? I guess he didn't care once he got some money. I don't know what my measley dollar is going to help them with. I guess to be fair, I don't know the entire situation, but I immediately felt duped. Oh well, I guess I can still feel good that my heart was in the right place. But unfortunately when I went to another store tonight and got asked by someone else for some money for gas I wasn't willing to help. Return of my cynicism I guess. Especially when he asked if I could go with him and use my card to help fill up his car with gas, and he'd "send me some money in the mail." Sorry, I don't think so.