Penn State 'Canning' Stirs Up Controversy

It seems Newtown residents have strong opinions about “canning.”

A story posted Monday on Patch about Newtown Township Police asking Penn State students to stop soliciting donations on Sycamore Street generated dozens of comments. 

The students use the canning effort to support the university’s THON campaign to fight pediatric cancer, according to the website, www.thon.org.

There seems to be two distinct positions on the issue: the group of people who think the students should be commended for their efforts to raise money and others who think the method of fundraising is not appropriate.

"Why don't they do some charitable work and donate the proceeds. Dancing around in the middle of busy intersections is just asking to get run over," one reader wrote on Newtown Patch's Facebook page.

But many others took the opposing viewpoint. "These kids are doing something for a cause rather than for themselves. As they should be. Leave them alone and if you don't want to give don't. But don't ruin for everyone else," another user wrote.

Here's a look at some more of the comments on the issue: (Comments were posted on both Newtown Patch and its Facebook page.)

"Roadways are not for soliciting, they are for driving. The fundraising they are doing is wonderful, but it shouldn't be done on a busy roadway."

"The kids are hard working and doing a dangerous job for a good cause. My wife and I stop and donate when traffic permits. The police know better than anyone about traffic safety, so I support any decision they make."

"They should not be allowed to stand on corners and beg for donations. If they want to raise money, have a benefit, wash cars, sell hoagies, do something. "

"Please let the PSU students do their thing and raise much needed research money for pediatric cancer."

"I have a feeling people's attitudes would change if one of these kids got hit and killed by a car. They are breaking the law. If you think it's a silly law, that's okay, you should go to the next Township meeting and state as such and set the wheels in motion to get this law changed. Don't blame the police department for doing their job." 

"I always give when I can do so safely."

"They stand in the most dangerous spots. I don't like it at all. They really should know that it isn't safe, I don't understand how they don't."

"I know this is for a great cause, but it really disturbs me to see the kids begging in the streets. It isn't safe, and they are out there in all kinds of weather. And how do we know the donation is going where it is supposed to go?"