i used to walk home when i lived downtown, and iwould always give whatever food i had left over from my lunch, likepackaged snacks and fruit to homeless people. i was rare that some onereally appreciated it. i never give $$$ cause you never know if it willbe spent on drugs or alcohol.
It is very beautiful for you to show your children to help those less fortunate.
and i'm not a parent (cept my buns o'course), but my mum says thehardest part of being a parent is the letting go. as long as you givethe tools needed, like don't talk to strangers etc... you just do thebest you can.
all the best
Nicole