devils and deeds

Whether they're standing with a sign or they approach you and ask if you can spare some change to help them pay for a bus fare...Do you give them money? If not, how do you respond to them? Any suggestions as to how I can help people without doling out cash? Would it be appropriate to keep small amounts of money on gift cards for common fast food places like McDonalds that I could give instead? I keep spare winter weather gear (hats and scarves and such) in my car that I can give away if need be. What I'm looking for are more ideas like along this line. How can I help a person begging in the street without worrying that I'm only feeding a drug or alcohol addiction? Thanks in advance for your advice.