It's a situation that I, unfortunately, understand only too well: Being forced to move out of a place all-too-quickly when it's all-too full of stuff.

The LGBT Center at 1115 E. Pike St. [get directions] is in that situation right now. They must abandon their offices by Monday, Jan. 14. Since they don't yet have a new location and don't really have the money to pay for temporary storage, they must get rid of all the stuff they've collected in their several years at the central Pike St. location.

They'll do that tomorrow (Jan. 12) at an open house from noon to 5 pm.

It isn't a garage sale. You're welcome to "pick up items that may be of use to you" as long as you can get those items out of the space quickly. There will be no haggling over price, but they are asking for a donation at the door. Give them what you can -- especially if you can give them what you think the items you take might be worth.

And it's quite a collection they're offering. (Listed here.) The list doesn't include a kitchen sink, but does include microwave ovens and kitchen supplies. You'll find plenty of furniture including tables, chairs, couches (one of them black leather), rugs, file cabinets, along with specialized items like bulletin boards, a podium, and platforms.

You'll find an array of computer equipment and supplies, including a wireless router, surge protectors, and Technics speakers.

And -- oh, yes -- if you get there early enough, there may still be a gumball machine. (Who could resist, eh?)

And, although the Center's future is shaky at best, donations can be given online to make it a bit more likely that it will resurface. (Look for the PayPal "Donate" link in the upper right.) So far, according to their site's home page, they've raised "$10,610 towards our $60,000 goal.

[hattip: GaySeattle.blogspot.com]