Patrick, I don't see why not as long as you can have zero expectations while doing it. If you have a conscious ulterior motive, you may find yourself leading the conversation instead of working on your friendship first.
And remove from your mind that you are doing it to be charitable. No one likes to feel that they are a charity case. If you do ask her, tell her she will be doing you a favor (just a thought).
Good luck, my friend.
Me:56, W:51 D:26,S:24,S:22 Married:18 Bomb 9/27/06 Separated 11/27/06 Divorced 10/6/08 Leaving it up to God