The Tuoghys talk a lot about the popcorn theory of giving and I think it is worth mentioning:

“You can’t help everyone.  But you can try to help the hot ones who pop right up in front of your face.” -In a Heartbeat, Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving

My husband followed this theory last night when he came downtown to pick me up after work.  If you have ever walked in downtown Denver you know that you are approached about 5 times in the span of a block by someone asking for money.  It tends to taint you, you just ignore everyone.  Well last night, my husband was walking by a bus stop and a guy asked him for money for the bus.  At first my husband responded with the usual “Sorry, no cash.”  Then he stopped, turned around and asked the guy how much the bus was.  My husband gave the guy 2 dollars, the bus pulled up, and the man got on.

That act did not change the world.  Probably did not even impact that man’s world, but it did help him when he needed it.

Remember to give when the hot ones pop up right in front of you.