Homeless Gift Guide

For those who live around or among homeless populations and have the urge to hand out Christmas presents, this gift guide is for you. It was put together by Dr. Gurley, an internist.

The detailed guidance provided covers recommended gift items and gift attributes and methods of dissemination of gifts to reduce risk when the gift-giver starts milling with the derelicts. In fact, it's strongly emphasized that a person must not attract attention or risk being a target for an assault.

Don't break stride, and avoid getting into long conversations. Don't make a show of giving gifts around a large area and certainly don't go into areas you don't know. I'd say don't gift alone, or in isolated areas, and don't give gifts to crowds.

Gift should be given in plain bags - no bows, no garish colors, no Tiffany sacks. It's nice, though, to tuck inside a small bow or giftcard ("From Me, To You"). You wouldn't wave money around, and the same applies to your gift. Anytime you might consider handing someone a dollar, hand him/her a gift instead. And do it as discreetly, and with as little fanfare.

I wouldn't recommend anyone attempt to play Santa Claus for the homeless before being schooled in street smarts. Homeless individuals are often transients who exist in the shadows of society where petty thievery frequently escalates to major crimes.

However, if one is struck with the calling to give gifts to homeless people, I suggest detailed planning be performed to minimize risk along with following the guidance of Doc Gurley.