By Associated Press - Sunday, May 24, 2015

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - An Albuquerque initiative aimed at steering people to donate to charities instead of panhandlers is struggling to bring in donations.

KRQE-TV in Albuquerque says (https://bit.ly/1IW2UfY) city officials estimate about $170 has come in since the initiative was unveiled more than three weeks ago by the Mayor’s Office.

The “There’s a Better Way” initiative focuses on getting panhandlers help and informing passing drivers of a website where they can instead give money to the United Way of Central New Mexico.

Officials say more than half of the $170 came from one person. That donor has pledged to give another $100 for the next eight months.

City Chief of Staff Gilbert Montano says it’s still early since the initiative launched and nobody was expecting lots of donations immediately.

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