If one does not find anyone to give zakat al-fitr to, is it permissible to give it to his neighbor?

Question : If a person gives his zakah in the morning of the festival and does not find the poor person, is it sufficient for him to give it to his neighbor?

Answer : If he has appointed his neighbor as his agent to receive it, then when it reaches his neighbor, his obligation is discharged, because its reaching the agent of the one who is entitled to it is like its reaching the one who is entitled to it. But if he has not appointed him as his agent to receive it, then it does not suffice. Rather, if it is the morning of the day of the festival and he does not find the person for whom he intended it, he should give it to another of those who are entitled to it and not wait for him until he is found. Then, if he finds him after the prayer, he should say to him, "I gave it to someone else because I did not find you before the prayer." If the person feels something in his heart, should he give him a sa' (a dry measure of about 3 kg) in charity to please him and remove what is in his heart?