We donate food and stuff (including money) to St. Vincent de Paul, to the local homeless shelter, to the local food bank, to several regional organizations. I'm talking new stuff, food and things we bought to donate. So far this year we've given over USD 500.00 worth of stuff.

The organizations we give to give the stuff away to those who in need, without strings on it except need. (The local SVdP Society helps Catholics, Mormons, Baptists -- it's actually an arm of the local Interfaith Council).

As for panhandlers and beggars, sorry. I'm sorry for their plight, but I'll give to those I know rather than those I don't know.

I avoid them by "not seeing them", by no eye contact.

As the Rabbi said, in my own neighborhood -- well, that's different.