Notice that I posted that I only donate to organizations that I can TRUST. Believe me, I check the small print. I will only give money to charities that are public with their financial metrics. For example, websites like Charity Navigator.org are great resources to look up that info.
I'm not gonna say that I've never donated "directly" with the source (ie blank notepads/pencils for a school, etc.) But I would NEVER just give $$ or gifts to a person or family unless I was VERY familiar with them. And, no way would I would ever just give money to someone I happen to meet while I was on vacation. You start giving money to people, and sometimes they condition themselves to expect it....whether from you or the next person to come along.





