It may be a scam, sometimes people make up false charities and then ask for money

The way things are now a days it doesn't surprise me...

All you have to say is "I'm not in a position to right now" but carry on walking

So, who you are is a disingenuous jerk who pretends you "would help if you could but can't" when you actually can and then resent the fact that you get caught in your own lies? Try honesty. It's easier.

I just tell them "not right now" So you don't have to outright say "no" if that bothers you.

Just say no, and don't feel guilty for it OP. It's your money, donate when you want to.

just say you're a college student.

It helps to have a stock response, I usually go with something like 'sorry I don't do street collections'. I do my own research and donate in my own time instead of feeling put on the spot by random charities. I get lots of door-to-door people in my area and they usually understand that.

reminds me of the movie "the yes man" with Jim carrey except that it's the opposite of you, it's the story of a man saying always NO learning to say YES!

We need a follow up to this.