Uthman (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Sayyiduna Harithah bin al-Nu'man (may Allah be pleased with him) had lost his eyesight, so he had tied a thread from his place of prayer to the door of his room, and he kept a basket near him containing dates and other things. Whenever a poor person came and greeted him, he would take something from that basket, then hold the end of the thread (and walk) until he handed it to him himself. His family would say: We will do this on your behalf. He would say: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Giving to the poor with one's own hand protects from an evil death."
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الكبير للطبراني / باب الحاء / 3215