A grubby urchin appears at your car window, cupped hands extended. “I’m hungry,” he says.

In your compassion, you feel moved to put money into those hands. Others give to appease their consciences or because they happen to have a bit of loose change. Whatever the reason, this “charity” is doing the children no favours in the long run.

In downtown Louis Trichardt, not far from the Roman Catholic Church, there is a safe haven for these kids.

Opened by Father Frank Galllagher in December last year, this house, St Therese Shelter for Boys, run by a resident house mother and overseen by Father Frank, not only provides the children with a place to stay, but guarantees them at least one square meal a day. In addition, a voluntary teacher gives them some chance of a rudimentary education.

Unfortunately, the boys are being lured away from this home by money. They “hang out” in the car parks of the various supermarkets and, by begging, manage to earn something. This can make life on the streets very appealing to these youngsters. Needless to say, the children are also potential prey to paedophiles and any other unsavoury characters that may be prowling the streets.

Some concerned citizens who wish to support the children’s home are appealing to the general public not to give money to children on the streets. Their aim is to make the home a place where the boys, who range in age from about nine to 16, will want to stay. These citizens urge the public to take note of this appeal.

“It may sound cruel, but in the long run you will be doing them a real kindness,” they say.

Any enquiries about the shelter for boys can be made to Father Fank or Lorean at Tel 015 516 0566.