Churches decide for themselves how to give, local clergy and lay leaders said, and many places of worship assist local agencies that help the poor. Many churches consider missionary support to be another important use of the funds they collect in tithes and offerings. Church leadership boards often determine how to divide the money left after overhead expenses are met. Sue Cohen, a member of Temple B'nai Israel, said Jews believe in tzedaka, which means charity. Tzedaka is derived from the Hebrew word for justice.
Families keep tzedaka boxes for charitable purposes.
Cohen said Jews consider charity equal to all the other commandments - in the moral sense. Cohen said Jews differentiate between charity and acts of kindness. Janie Davis, executive director of High Plains Food Bank, said four churches give money to the bank on a regular basis. As many as 64 church-based agencies throughout the Panhandle receive food from the food bank to give to people in need. The bank's food pantries help 5,000 families a month.