is an old ipad 2 or ipad mini useful to anyone ?
These ipads are old and will not update to newer ios nor accept updates to some of the apps.
If I "wipe" them clean, are they useful to anyone and, if so, where should I donate them?
iPad 2, iOS 9
No.
They are not.
10 and 11-year old iPads are completely and fully obsolete.
Either recycle the device with Apple or any local electronics reycycling service.
Sorry & Good Luck to You!