"Secret Santas" Dole Out $100 Handshakes in N.C.

"Secret Santas" are roaming the streets of North Carolina, handing out $100 handshakes.

The Charlotte Observer reported that crew of donors, who insist on anonymity, handed out the C-notes Friday to anyone who looked like they could use it.

Felicia Adams was handed $100 while she was working at a Goodwill outlet store.

She said the money will help her get to New York to visit her father, who is dying of cancer.

The donors take thousands of dollars from their own bank accounts to hand out.

It's the fourth year the random acts of kindness have been done in Charlotte.

This year, a half-dozen volunteers from the Charlotte police and fire departments tagged along, guiding the group through the city and suggesting people they could help.

[ffoulkes-2009]

I applaud this movement, and point to this as the way charity should be done. Individuals and private groups giving to those in need rather than a government making a beaurocracy out of giving.

[askagain]

tsimm97 - You make a good point. Contrast their method with that of the government. Forms to be completed, interviews required, proof to be provided. Even then, some underseriving people probably slip through. These people utilize a voluntary, non-government system which requires nothing from the taxpayers.

[tsimm97]

That can be a tricky thing. How do they know someone needs or could use 100 dollars. If they think that from how they're dressing, maybe they're just slobs or bad dressers. Of course for me, anyone can give me 100 dollars anytime.