Sending mishloach manot and matanot laevyonim in advance

Hi,

May I fulfill matanos la'evyonim and mishloach manos by sending my gifts in advance?

Because the tzedakah given for matanos la'evyonim is meant to be used for Purim needs, some authorities say to give it on Purim, lest it be spent in advance. Also, some contend that it is meant to recall the events of the original Purim, on Purim. However, most authorities rule that one may deliver matanos la'evyonim in advance, thus ensuring that indigent people will have the means to arrange a Purim feast. One certainly may send it to a distribution agent in advance, for distribution on Purim day.

Regarding the mitzvah of mishloach manos, some authorities understand that the purpose of the mitzvah is to increase our goodwill toward each other on Purim itself. Therefore, mishloach manos should be sent, or at least received, on Purim itself.

(Magen Avraham 694:1; Be'er Heiteiv Orach Chaim 695:7; Pri Megadim Orach Chaim Eishel Avraham 694:1; Biur Halachah Orach Chaim 694 lishnei; Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 690:1, 694:2; Beit Shearim Orach Chaim 381; Divrei Yatziv Orach Chaim 298:2, Hashmatos 65:1; Yehudah Yaaleh Orach Chaim 207; Chelkas Yaakov Orach Chaim 233; Torah Lishmah 188; Yechaveh Daas 440)

Have a great day,

Mordechai