Man shames young panhandlers who twice rejected his job offers

KTRK logo
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Business owner's sign goes viral
A businessman's sign is going viral after he says he offered a job to two panhandlers who turned down the work

MUSCATINE, IA -- An Iowa man took matters into his own hands after he says two young panhandlers twice rejected job offers meant to help get them on their feet.



Mike Pothoff, of Muscatine, says he pulled over his car and offered them work but was rebuffed.



The boys allegedly smirked and walked away after the initial exchange.



When Pothoff saw the boys again the following weekend, he offered them employment once more. Yet, when they declined, he decided he would come back with a sign of his own.



These two young men probably never expected to be shadowed like this.


"If they're going to stand out there and hold a sign and ask for money and say they're homeless, I can hold a sign out there," Pothoff says.



The sign reads: Offered these guys a job, they said no. Don't give money.



The photo of Mike and his sign has since gone viral online.



The shaming of these two boys isn't meant as an attack on those in need, Pothoff says, but taking issue with those who can work but choose not to seek employment.

Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.