Our one is pretty bad for wanted ads...ones I've seen include:
Wanted: small car
Wanted: caravan/ caravanette
Wanted: GHD straighteners
Wanted: Xbox
Not exactly essentials they need, or things you'd have lying around "spare"
All I've ever asked for was baby items, and have been offered allsorts of lovely things above and beyond what I was expecting, that -yes- require a wash, and have normally been stored in people's attics, so what? it doesn't come any cheaper than free!
We've offered a few things over the last year or two, one being a red two seater chesterfield metal action sofabed. A mean old couple turned up and told me off for describing it as a two seater. "That's far too big for our conservatory!!!!" he said incredulously, as if I'd been there and should know better. Then asked if we were getting rid of our 24", obviously new tv. Yeah right, Grandad!
Bottom line is, it's a good idea but you'll always get idiots and professional ebay scammers who have to ruin it for the rest of us.
Best way is, if you're getting rid of something: assess the emails you receive, (even though it's tempting to pick the first one just to ensure you get rid of the item) if they sound fussy, ungrateful, or pushy, then wait a few hours before responding to see who else answers your advert. There are those of us out there who are more than grateful for the things you're giving away, however dusty!