With some reluctance and at the risk of bringing this back on-topic I'll add my $.02.
I certainly understand the concerns that many here have about donating cash to a cause that may turn out to be some kind of a scam or at least a case of freeloading. This is probably an unfortunate side-effect of the number of scams and manipulative people there are out there in our society. That said, if that's the reason we're giving (to ourselves or others) for not giving, we should at least be willing to make a gift in kind (whether it be a gut-buster burger or a bus ticket, etc.) to people who might need it. That's my approach. Almost anytime a panhandler asks me for cash I'll say "no, but I'll buy you lunch." Unfortunately nobody has ever accepted my offer, usually admitting "actually, I want to buy some beer." We go our separate ways, each with the knowledge that we're being straight-up with each other. I don't have to lie about not having any spare change and knowing that I would help the person if they chose to accept the help I'm offering. The panhandler no longer has to lie to me about being hungry.
The other factor is the huge demand for charity worldwide. We could say "ah, it's only $20" (or whatever) but assuming it's $20 that I don't need and I give it to someone like Tony, it's $20 that doesn't go to another charity that could also use it. There's nothing wrong with being selective in your charitable giving.
To those who gave to Tony: Good on you for your charitable spirit! To those (like me) who didn't for whatever reason: You have nothing to be ashamed of, as long as you can look yourself in the mirror and know that you'd offer whatever reasonable assistance you could to a person in need when the appropriate situation arises.
