DEAR HARRIETTE: There was a horrible explosion in my neighborhood recently, and many people got displaced. I feel so bad for them, even though I didn't know any of them. I want to help in some way, but I have limited funds. What can I do to help people who have lost everything? -- Wanting to Help, Harlem, N.Y.

DEAR WANTING TO HELP: For those who don't know, the tragedy in question was an explosion that destroyed two apartment buildings, killed eight people and injured many more. Investigations are continuing as we go to press. This is truly a sad story for many people.

The good news is that contributions small and large are extremely helpful for those who lost loved ones, were injured or lost their homes. Several crowdsourcing sites have set up means to donate in any amount you might like. One site that has waived its fees is eastharlemexplosionfund.mydagsite.com. There are also Harlem-based businesses and churches that are collecting goods. You may want to donate clothing, canned food or even furniture to people who have lost everything. Go through your personal inventory to see what you can spare. Your items might be as good as dollars. One article that points to several ways to give is huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/18/harlem-explosion-help_n_4981153.html.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel like every time I go out these days and I'm talking to people, they stop mid-conversation to send a social media message out to who knows where. It is so annoying. I also feel a little paranoid that anything I might say or do will be instantly broadcast somewhere, and I just don't like it. Whatever happened to hanging out with friends and just having a good time without telling the whole world about the experience? Just the other day, this social media nonsense ended up hurting a friend's feelings because she wasn't invited to a small gathering of mutual friends. It wasn't for any particular reason, just that a few of us got together. She saw pictures of us all having fun and told one of our friends how she felt left out. Obviously, you don't have to invite everyone to everything, but social media can make it impossible to protect people's privacy. How can I get my friends to understand that? -- Feeling Exposed, Princeton, N.J.

DEAR FEELING EXPOSED: Use the example of your friend's hurt feelings when you approach your friend group. Ask them to be more sensitive about others when they post messages and photos. You can specifically ask them not to post photos of you. This may not always work, but it is worth the request.

You should be mindful of what you say to others in general. Your words can be sourced anywhere. A person can quote you in the moment and post it to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other locations. The Orwellian notion that Big Brother is watching you lives today. You would be wise to remember that.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have noticed that many bins have been set up in my city where you can drop off old clothes or accessories. They are from all different companies. I think it's a fantastic idea; it's easier to walk across the street and dump my old stuff than to go across town to the Salvation Army or Goodwill, even though that's what I usually do. Just as I was about to drop off my first package, my friend told me that he saw a report that said some of these bins are scams. He said that some of them are set up by stores that actually gather the items and resell them for high prices. That made me so mad, but I'm not sure if my friend is right. He is no expert. How can I figure it out? -- Wanting to Unload, New York City

DEAR WANTING TO UNLOAD: The best way to verify the type of organization that is collecting items is to research the company before donating your belongings. Typically, those bins will advertise the name of the company that is sponsoring it, and there should be a website and telephone number so that you can reach them.

Do your due diligence so that you can make an informed decision about where to offer your items. Know that the Salvation Army and Goodwill offer tax write-off forms that can be as beneficial to you as your belongings are to them.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was recently asked to be a member of my tenants' association board. I thought that was really a nice honor until I realized how much work it is. I joined as the secretary, so I have to keep records of every meeting and present them at the next. It is fun in a way, but it is wearing me out. I do see the benefits of being in the know, though. I now understand a whole lot about my building and the laws and everything. Should I tell them I want to do this for only one year? My work is pretty intense, and I'm always afraid that I am not going to get the minutes completed in time. It's pretty stressful as an almost-second (unpaid) job. -- Unsure, Chicago

DEAR UNSURE: Don't make a decision yet. You said that this is a recent appointment. Give yourself time to get accustomed to the rhythm of the role. Yes, it takes a lot to do a good job on a board as its secretary. But it is likely that you were selected because the other board members believe in your ability and commitment to get the job done.

Stretch your limits for now. See how well you are able to fulfill your duties. You may discover in a year's time that this added role is valuable to your life. If not, you can let them know before election time that you do not want to be in an official role moving forward. Give it time.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am sick about all of the news stories these days about people dying of drug overdoses or suicide. It's really horrible. What's worse is that I have not been able to shield my young children from it. Because everything pops up on TV at any time of day, not even just on the news, they have started asking questions. My kids are 7 and 10. I didn't think I would have to talk to them about somebody taking his own life or using heroin at this age. I don't feel ready for these conversations, so I was vague when they first asked, but I do think I need to respond. What should I say? -- Protective Mom, Syracuse, N.Y.

DEAR PROTECTIVE MOM: I believe that a parent's job is to teach children how to understand what is happening around them so that they can feel safe and protected and knowledgeable. I agree that it is not ideal for young children to have to hear about some of the horrors of our world, but when they happen, parents must be able to talk them through these tragedies.

I have talked to my 10-year-old about drug abuse for several years. It started when she witnessed someone using drugs and wanted to know what he was doing. When Phillip Seymour Hoffman died and it was all over the news, we had the talk about heroin and more about using a needle and syringe and how under most circumstances those tools are only used in a hospital. I told her to walk away if she ever encounters someone doing that in her presence. Were these conversations scary? Sure, but I remained matter-of-fact about them, explaining that drug use can easily lead to death, and that we choose life.

When it comes to suicide, an even more difficult topic, if you have to talk about it with young children, keep it in simple terms, namely that some people become so sad that they don't remember how valuable life is. If ever they feel very sad, their responsibility is to come to you right away to talk about it. As long as you know you are loved, it is easier to work through any sadness.

When your children face tragic stories, either through the news or your own family and friends, be sure to talk to them. For support in having this conversation, go to childmind.org/en/posts/articles/2011-4-25-talking-kids-about-suicide.

Dear Harriette: I had a party and invited everyone via email. Can I send thank-you notes to them for attending and for their gifts via email, too? -- Protocol Please, Shreveport, La.

DEAR PROTOCOL PLEASE: Whereas a handwritten note used to be standard for saying thank you, times have changed. If all guests were invited via email and use that as a principal means of communicating, they will likely be perfectly happy receiving a note of gratitude in that way. You may want to spice it up a bit by using emoticons or a special e-card. You can find free and affordably priced e-cards readily online.