Years ago my husband and I were walking in the city when a man approached us asking for money. He was quite dirty and smelled very bad. The television news had been focusing on the problem of people on the street begging, but not really needing help. They asked that nobody give these people anything. My husband, however, pulled out a small amount of money and gave it to the man.
After what we'd seen on the news, I was surprised that my husband did that, so I asked him why. He said, "A little bit of money won't be missed by me at all, but what if that man really needed it?"
I've always remembered that example and I give a little here and there when I can.
Last year we were in Mexico with some friends when a man approached begging for money. He was quite obviously in need and I pulled a small amount of change out and gave it to him. I don't think I'll ever forget his smile and the blessing from his lips. Our friend turned to me and said, "Wow, I can't believe you gave him money." That's when I had the chance to pass on what I'd learned. I told our friend about our experience years earlier and said that it wouldn't hurt me at all and it may just help someone who really needed it.
I think he'll remember that and when the time comes, he'll pass on a small bit of help to someone else.