I woulda took it and given it to a homeless person. Cigarettes are the ONE thing I would ALWAYS give to a homeless person (even if they were very annoying) besides an offer of a ride to the nearest shelter.
They always ask for money, and in Tucson it is ALWAYS "can I have some change for the bus to see my beloved X." You don't do that to a Social Worker because they say, "I am happy to give you the address to Traveler's Aid and they will TOTALLY pay for your bus ticket." Usually then, there is some cursing or other expressions of annoyance.
I did give five bucks to this dude once "for gas" he had his truck parked near the ATM, claimed the ATM ate his card and he needed gas. It was either legit or creative, so I was willing to go for it.
But, in Tucson, you just never can tell. I once gave a lady some change on the way in to Food City (that is a BAD place to go for the homeless) and saw her exiting when I did clutching a large bottle of some horrible alcoholic beverage....
But cigarettes, always.
Anna
