by Jorge Gomez • 2 minutes
First Liberty is assisting the law firm Copilevitz, Lam & Raney in a case involving two charitable organizations in North Texas. These two nonprofits are being subject to a discriminatory city ordinance that prevents them from carrying out their mission and serving their community.
This week, Copilevitz, Lam & Raney filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a lower court decision that prohibited Arms of Hope and National Federation of the Blind of Texas (NFBTX) from placing donation bins in well-trafficked areas across the city of Arlington.
Arms of Hope, a Christian organization, has worked to provide a safe, nurturing environment for disadvantaged children, youth and families for over 90 years. They aim to transform the lives of many single-mother families by providing support in their time of need. NFBTX seeks to create equal opportunity and provide resources so that all blind individuals can achieve their goals.
“It is unthinkable that the City of Arlington would target organizations that help its most vulnerable citizens,” said First Liberty Executive General Counsel Hiram Sasser. “Purposefully hindering the efforts of Arms of Hope and National Federation of the Blind of Texas to help their communities is shameful and in direct violation of the First Amendment.”
Because they don’t receive government funding, the two organizations rely on the generous giving of churches, organizations, businesses and individuals for financial support.
They often receive this support through clothing donations. In parking lots of churches or local shopping centers, there are designated, free-standing “donation bins” which serve as an easy and convenient spot for people to drop off their donation items. Both Arms of Hope and NFBTX rely on these donations to help support people in need.
The city has never regulated donation boxes in the past. But in 2024, it passed a discriminatory ordinance stating that these organizations must have permits for donation bins.
This abuse of the zoning code restricts Arms of Hope and NFBTX from placing donation bins anywhere except industrial areas. This means they can’t be placed where people will see them—familiar areas like churches, store parking lots, etc.
The city’s double standard is clear in that it allows garbage and recycling bins throughout the city, yet it bans charities from placing donation boxes.
What the City of Arlington is doing is unconstitutional, wrong and cruel. Similar to what’s happening in cities across America, it is criminalizing compassion. Ministries and charitable organizations make an incredible, life-changing impact in the lives of so many people.
The outcome of this case could set an important precedent that protects faith-based nonprofits and all charitable organizations. When compassionate ministries win, ALL Americans win.
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