Play video content LENDING A HAND

Jennifer Garner leads with kindness ... taking time out of her day to help out a homeless man in L.A., even taking the shoes off her feet to let him wear.

JG was spotted lending a helping hand Sunday at Santa Monica beach -- leaning out of her car to hand the man a bag of essential goodies, before jumping out of the ride to give an even more personal touch.

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Jennifer quickly realized the guy was barefoot, so she put socks on his feet and even took her own shoes off to give to him ... chatting him up with a smile on her face.

Jennifer's shoes must not have fit, because she rushed over to the photog and offered to buy his shoes to give to the man -- BTW, we're told the photog offered up his kicks free of charge, and even added things like a blanket, a shirt and pants for the man.

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She certainly made the guy's day ... don't forget, Jennifer has a history of giving back -- she hosted a big food drive for her 50th birthday instead of throwing a traditional party, so charity is in her blood!

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