I always ask a priest (i am an Orthodox Christian) if he knows of any families that are in urgent need of money. I note their address and i put an amount in an envelop which later i drop on their personal mailbox. If it's a job they are after, i usually ask fellow friends of any vacancies in job opportunities and then i hand over the information to those families that need the job. I usually help people as much as i can. Who knows.. maybe some day it will be me asking for help..
It's really awesome to hear examples of one of the better traits of humanity: helping others. Someone mentioned that donating your time is more important than donating your money, and I couldn't agree more. I think donating some time to a charity you support and helping out in any way you can is a vastly positive thing. You can also see the results of your efforts and get a good feeling too.
Although I don't contribute that often, most of times when there's an appeal for donations (disaster, famine) I will do my part and donate no matter what.