Worn jeans can sometimes have the legs and made into shorts. I save the scrap jean for patching those jeans that fit so perfect.

used towels and blankets can be donated to animal shelters

many thrift shops will sell too-shabby items to rag merchants, so they do not go to waste. some items are given to other thrift stores so eventually they make their way down the chain . you never know what people will buy; I buy clothing that is not wearable and re-use the fabric for other purposes.

anything that I haven't used in the last year will be donated

Also, my aunt makes quilts out of old shirts, ties, etc. for some friends that lost family members to cancer.