After I read a thread in TravelBuzz

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...olicitors.html

I had suddenly thought about something I always want to know for a long time. Anyone know those african american kids and teenagers usually walking in groups in downtown chicago and sometimes malls as well, they have a few of those fliers on hand, show it to you and ask for donation to set up something like a basketball team for the neighborhood kids, usually they are not even polite enough to speak, rather than just hand you the flier and let you read it yourselves, are they real ? Or they work for someone ? I assume they maybe work for gangs leaders or something, maybe I am too judgemental. However, those kids and teenagers always wearing causal clothing, but brand new jackets, shoes, etc, it is like their entire outfit cost more than $200-$300, a lot more than what I am wearing. I was always thinking if you are asking other people for donation, why not use part of the money that you bought your flashy jacket and donate to your basketball team instead.

I have only been living in Chicago for 10 years or so, never heard news or newspaper talked about those people. Anyone know who they are and or if they are real ?

A lot of times these kids are being pretty badly exploited by the jerks who run the operations. I just smile at them, shake my head no, and walk on by.

I have my doubts about solicitors I run across also. My experience is that sometimes they carry a wholesale size box of about 24 large Twix bars they try to sell for a couple of dollars. I am still not convinced though.

agreed.

I only give through charities I've looked up ratings on or charities where I've got the confidence that most of the $ I give goes towards the cause and not "administration".

I agree. Sometimes, these little girls try to sell me cookies, but I always say no thanks. They're probably part of a larger syndicate that feeds off people's willingness to help others. I mean, the packaging looks too professional to have been made by elementary school children.

LOL

^