This article ran last week in the Tennessean. The deadline for submission is tomorrow:

Chance arises for nonprofits to pick from list of free stuff

Most of us have good, useful things sitting around idle - things we no longer use but hang onto because we don’t know what to do with them.

These “things” are taking up space and cluttering up our lives, but we just can’t bear to throw them out knowing that someone else might be able to make good use of them.

At the same time, I know that charities are hurting as they try to offer more services with fewer resources.

So today I’m asking nonprofits across Middle Tennessee to tell me if they can use any of these once-loved items that people have jumbling up their closets, basements and attics.

I invite you to go through the list and check off the things your organization could use. Please include your contact info - daytime phone number, mailing address and e-mail address. With that, I’ll put together a “Guide to Getting Rid of Things” that will help all of us. You can also go online and fill out the form electronically at www.nashvilleshopping.com/mscheap. I need your answers by Nov. 14.

Here goes:

>> Computers that work

>> Computers that don’t work

>> Trophies

>> Old TVs and electronics that work

>> Old TVs and electronics that don’t work

>> Encyclopedias

>> Textbooks

>> Clothes that aren’t good enough for thrift stores

>> Yarn, fabric, notions

>> Typewriters

>> Vehicles that work

>> Vehicles that don’t work

>> Sporting equipment like baseball gloves, basketballs, soccer balls, tennis and golf equipment, etc.

>> Suitcases

>> Old cell phones

>> Medical equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, potty chairs, shower chairs, etc.

>> Toys and games

>> Children’s books

>> Magazines

>> Musical instruments

>> Broken jewelry pieces

>> Prom dresses

>> Business attire for men and women

>> Tools and hardware

>> Building materials

>> Videos and DVDs

>> School supplies

>> Vacuum cleaners

>> Bicycles

>> Art supplies

>> Old cameras

>> Office supplies

>> Furniture

>> Usable exercise equipment

>> Linens

>> Car seats

>> Household items

>> Appliances that work

>> Appliances that don’t work

>> Pet items like carriers, kennels, pet toys, leashes

>> Used greeting cards

>Readers, make sure to let your church know about this list, too. Stay cheap!