KINGMAN – He’s one of Kingman’s more recognizable panhandling regulars. A man named “Dave” frequently works the corner of Airway Avenue and Stockton Hill Road, catching some shade cast by pine trees just west of the fuel island at Smith’s.
So, if Dave has multiple hours to beg, several days a week, why would he not work instead?
“I’m 63. I can’t compete for a job with these kids. I can’t wait three weeks or three months to get a phone call out of 100 applications and then they ask me 100 questions about my career path and this and that,” he answered. He also explained it’s hard to be prepared for the rigors of job searching when you live in your vehicle and are largely disabled.
“I’m numb. A whole half of my body is numb. I can’t bend down,” Dave said. He explained some misinterpret the message he has scrawled on his well-worn cardboard sign that reads, “Asking for help is better than stealing.”
“This means I would never steal,” Dave said. “Some people think I am threatening them. That’s their goofy understanding.”
Seldom do the donations come as scores of vehicles pass him by.
“I don’t really care. I just go for the open window, the guy who holds out the money,” he said. “I don’t pay attention to these people white-knuckling their steering wheel and don’t pay attention to you.”
Whether begging is a necessity or a lifestyle, Dave has a glimmer of hope some good fortune might be game changing.
“Come by and donate if you can. I’m working on not doing this, so if you could help out the sooner I’ll be able to not do this,” noting those who give gain good Karma. “Whoever helps me is building up treasure in heaven. From their point of view it doesn’t really matter who I am. They’re still going to get the credit for caring.”
Dave Hawkins
