SARASOTA, Fla. -- In an effort to stop panhandling, downtown Sarasota merchants are banding together to collect money for the homeless.
According to published reports, the Downtown Merchants Association is preparing to distribute collection boxes next week to any local business that asks for one.
But the box also includes the message "please do not give money on the street."
The money would go to the Salvation Army, but other beneficiaries are being considered.
This summer, some downtown businesses posted signs saying "don't give in to panhandling: 93% of the money goes to drugs & alcohol."
