Asking for money is an incredibly awkward ordeal. Odds are, if you’re asking for money, you’d rather not be. People usually only ask for donations and handouts if they really need them- they see no way forward with how things are going now, and they have no other choice but to turn to others. It’s not like asking someone for a handout is the easiest thing in the world. It demands an ego check and puts others in a position of power over you. 

This doesn’t mean that everyone is obligated to oblige and give you money. Donations are voluntary by definition. You hope they’re moved by your story, know that you would do the same for them and that they know you’ll use the money wisely. Beyond that, you have no control over who hears your message and who doesn’t. One woman chose to get petty over her donation situation, though, and her coworker paid the price.