A few good websites to find free items that you may need

One of the first things I discovered in my quest to save money were the freecycle groups, http://www.freecycle.org/.  These groups consist of people in your area who list items that they are looking to get rid of for FREE.  That's right for free.  You can set your membership settings to email you everytime a member posts something to the group, then you reply to the posting if it's something you are interested in having.  You set up a time and place to pick up the item and it's yours.  You can also list items that you want.  If there is a member out there that has the item and they're looking to get rid of it, they will email you and arrange pick up.  It's very simple.  I have seen so many different kinds of items listed.  It's great if you have kids and are ok with getting used clothing for them.  I have seen people list toys that their children no longer play with, small appliances that have been collecting dust, left over building materials, appliances, and even food.  The possibilities are endless.  Quite a few members in my area will list the leftovers from their garage sales in the summer. 
Another great website that is almost exactly the same as freecycle is called http://www.reuseitnetwork.org/.  I moderate a group here in my area.  The only difference between this group and the freecycle group is that the rules are a little more lax.  Both groups rules and etiquette differ from city to city.  But with ReUseIt you will see postings for pets, coupons and different things that most freecycle groups discourage people from listing.
Both of these website require a yahoo ID (which is also free) to join.  I have met lots of other penny pinchers like myself through these groups, so check them out.