Maimonides, one of history’s most enlightened men, said the highest level of giving charity is by helping someone to become self-sufficient. By doing this you not only give of your time, money or energy, you give that needy person something of greater value… you instill in him/her self worth and self respect

When you find people who need a job, do what you can to help them earn some money. Give them some work to do, assist them in getting a job interview, help them to market themselves, discover a skill they have which might be turned into something income producing, or even give them a little seed money to become an entrepreneur.

By doing this you will perform at the highest level of charity giving. They will appreciate it, but you will feel the greatest appreciation from within.