“Panhandling: It’s not safe. It doesn’t help. Give a hand up, not a hand out.”
You have probably seen these signs all over Montgomery County. The source of this public service announcement is to discourage panhandlers in Montgomery County and influence people to donate to other places. Giving money to panhandlers on the side of the street is not the ideal way to help. Behind their tattered signs are stories that we will never know for sure, but we are certain that your money is better used when given to an organization like the Community Foundation for Montgomery County.
The Text to Give campaign was launched by the Innovation Program to put an end to this problem as well as help those in need in an honest and efficient way. By texting SHARE to 80077, you can donate $5 to the Community Foundation of Montgomery County. This way, it is ensured that the money will be given to people who really need it and will use it wisely. The Innovation Program is in support of the Text to Give campaign and is tracking the success of the operation.
Now is the time to give. The holiday season is an especially rough time for those less fortunate. Giving $5 can help many people in many ways, and it is just a simple text message away. Check out the Montgomery County press release for more information about the launch and success of this program.
Read more on panhandlers here and remember to Text SHARE to 80077 to donate $5 to the Community Foundation for Montgomery County.