Sending in Tzedaka

I have several pushkas (charity boxes) in my home from various charity organizations. Some of the boxes I have had in my home for many months, and I put spare change in them. Is there any timeline for when the money must be mailed in?

The Shulchan Aruch (YD 257:3) writes that if one separated money for tzedaka to be given to the poor, they must distribute the money immediately. Otherwise, they are in violation of “bal t’acher” (the prohibition against delaying in fulfilling a vow). However, Rama adds (ibid.) that if one separated money to give to an institution that will disburse the funds, then one is not in violation until the organization requests the funds. Nonetheless, if the organization does not know about this money, one is obligated to inform them.

Rav Schachter ruled that this last requirement (notifying the organization) does not apply to pushkas, and it is not necessary to inform the organization every time a quarter is dropped in the box. This is because there is a mutual understanding by both the organization that distributes the pushkas and the people who place money in them, that the money may be submitted whenever it is convenient. However, if the organization requests the pushka money, one is required to transfer the funds immediately without hesitation.

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.