I do donate things;but I am always skeptical about donating cash. I have heard about too many scandals involving crooked charities.
I donate food/canned goods to the soup kitchens a few times a year. I hate to be so jaded, but I have heard too many stories of people giving money to people on the streets, only to see them go in the liquor store a few hours later with it and money from others. I have actually seen people refuse a donation of food on the street; they are the ones who really want drug/liquor money. But I love taking part in donations at work that we have, where we donate winter clothes/items; food; soaps/shampoos; toys for tots, the like. This way, I know that people who really need help for daily living are helped.