They put on a sad face, walk with a limp or have a sign telling you how much they need your support to overcome their hunger, and at the end: ‘’God bless’’.

Beggars have mastered the art of sending me on a guilt trip, or am I speaking for myself?

You see them at almost every intersection, sometimes late at night.

My usual reaction is: stare dead straight ahead of me (trying to avoid eye contact), wind up my car window and turn the music louder to avoid the conversation.

Sometimes, I buckle.

Just this weekend, I looked twice when I saw a boy (probably about seven years old) standing at a robot with the expression on his face that you’d see on a relief organisation’s website.

After a few seconds consideration I gave the boy a few Randelas and continued on my merry way.

Then the questions pop up: Am I sustaining the person’s life on the street? Have I just bought someone a meal and made a difference in their life for a day?

Today is World Hunger Day.

A total of 842 million people (an eighth of the world’s population) live in extreme hunger (less than 1,25 dollars a day), according to the hunger project UK website.

The international day aims to raising awareness of hunger and its victims.

It is also about celebrating the achievements of millions of people who are already ending their own hunger and meeting their basic needs, the website said.

Do these shocking statistics drive me to guilt at the robot?

I saw a Facebook post last week from a person who urged people not to give beggars money.

Instead, the woman told people to provide food and clothing.

On the other side of the fence you get people who do give money to beggars.

The truth is you never know where you money, food or clothes are going to.

I have heard many stories of beggars who own cars and refuse employment because they earn more money on the street – they can’t be that desperate for food if they can afford a car.

It’s sad when these ‘’desperate’’ people are con-artists and take people for a ride, let alone make them feel guilty by playing on their emotions.

However, I am certain there are many people who rely on your good hearts for their survival.

So how do we distinguish the phoneys from the truly desperate ones?

Does it even matter if it makes you feel good about yourself?

Personally, I would much rather help people who are making an effort to help themselves – and that is not by begging.

With the unemployment rate as high as it is, it is quite possible that these people have failed at finding permanent employment.

By why should I be bothered at an intersection by someone who makes me feel bad for refusing to dish out a R2?

These beggars should be removed from the streets and be encouraged to find employment.

Maybe the street is just an easier route.

Whatever the situation, give if you must give, or deal with the guilt if you don’t – I have a soft spot for children who can’t help themselves. KVDL