Sayyiduna Hakim bin Hizam (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) intending to ask him (for something), and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever asks people and is given is like the one who eats but what he eats does not benefit him. The upper hand is better than the lower hand; the best charity is that which is given while one remains well-off; and begin with those who are under your care." Hakim (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I said: O Messenger of Allah, by the One who honoured you, I will never take anything from anyone again.
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الكبير للطبراني / باب الحاء / 3111