The mitzvah of Tzedakah is a daily function in the cycle of everyday Jewish living.
Giving Tzedakah is a great mitzvah. Rav Assi, a rabbi from the Talmud, said that, "Charity is equal to all mitzvot."
Tzedakah is charity and righteousness. It is anything (money, food, glasses, etc.) that can help the poor and needy.
Why do we use Tzedakah Boxes?
Jews keep Tzedakah boxes in their homes. Many have made it a tradition to put money in the Tzedakah Box before lighting Shabbat candles every Friday night.
By keeping a tzedakah box in your home, and adding money to it daily, you can contribute to Israel, and to many Jewish causes.
It does not really matter how much you give, but the fact that you give money for charity is important.
What are the eight degrees of charity?
(Starting with the most important)
Helping someone to help himself.
Giving anonymously to an unknown person.
Giving anonymously to a person you know is in need.
Giving without knowing who will get the gift.
Giving without being asked.
Giving after being asked.
Giving less than one can afford, but giving willingly.