Are Jehovah's Witnesses allowed to give money to the poor?

Yes, Jehovah's Witnesses give and receive gifts all the time. The only time we refrain from certain gift giving customs is when it is associated with customs or holidays that are tied up in pagan and non-Christian religion. An example of when we refrain from gift giving or receiving in birthday celebrations which origionated in pagan religion. The birthday celebration was actually a celebration to appease the god of the astrological sign the celebrant was born under. Also we don't participate in the popular holidays because of their roots in pagan religion as well. But on other occasions we do exchange gifts. For example: wedding anniversaries, bridal and baby showers, house warming, and other occasions that are not related to pagan religion, and sometimes we give gifts for no reason at all.