Reaching forth

How many times has this happened to you? You're at a traffic light waiting on it to turn green when you notice a person holding a sign that reads something like this "Homeless, please help, God bless".
If we were honest we would say that our first thought wasn't to reach into out pocket and give them some money. Why? because there is a good chance that it would be used for alcohol or drugs. Sadly this is often a true statement on their spending habits.
But should we simply excuse ourselves from finding a way to meet their need because of that? I'm inclined to say no.
The Proverbs 31 Woman gives us a clue as to what we should do in verse 20, "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
This Woman had a desire to help those in need and was actively finding ways to do so.
I do understand that it is not always wise to just give someone money, especially when there is legitimate concern that it will be spent on something that is wrong. So what can we do to show we care and be a witness for Jesus?
I have a friend who solved that problem! She took  quart sized zip lock bags and filled them with a bottle of water, snacks, toothbrush, trial size toothpaste, wipes and band aid's as well as a gospel tract. She keeps these bags of blessing in her car and passes them out instead of giving them money.
I must confess that when I saw those bags I was convicted because I did what most of us do: ignore them since I didn't want to give them money that possible would be spent on bad or destructive habits.
But my friend looked at the situation and instead of turning away she came up with a wonderful solution. Not only does she meet a need, but she is living out the gospel. I truly believe that those tracts in the bag get read and there is no way to know how many people will be in heaven until we get there; all because my friend reached forth her hands to the needy.
There are many ways we can reach out:
    ~ Making bags for the homeless like my friend did
    ~ Donating canned goods to your local food pantry
    ~ Calling your local Pregnancy Resource Center and seeing what items     they could use. Some items are very easy such as: grocery bags, gently     used baby clothes or even small gift bags for the new moms ( which is a     great group project!) To find your local PRC just click this link : Option         line and type in your zip code.
    ~ Giving your old clothes to your local clothing closet
There are so many ways we can be a blessing and reach out our hands. We have been called to be a reflection of Christ to this lost world and indeed Christ told us that when we help others we are really doing it to Him.

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40

There can be no greater reward!