Additional Community Service Initiatives
Led by the Arnold & Itkin Foundation
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation’s efforts are far-reaching. From supply drives to monetary donations, the Foundation is committed to helping those in need both in the local community and across the country.
Packed 1,300 Lunches for Kids’ Meals Inc. | July 2024
Our staff and their families came together to prepare 1,300 lunches for Kids’ Meals, a Houston nonprofit fighting against childhood hunger. More than 50,000 Houston-area preschool-aged children don’t know where their next meal is coming from, so our team and families helped pack and decorate each meal to add a little extra love. Additionally, the Arnold & Itkin Foundation donated $5,000 to Kids’ Meals to support their ongoing efforts to provide food to our most vulnerable children. An effort like this is only possible through teamwork and commitment; we’re proud to say we’ve helped Kids’ Meals to help feed over a thousand kids.
Christmas Toy Drive for Voz de Niños | December 2023
In late 2023, the Arnold & Itkin Foundation organized a toy drive that provided dozens of toys, craft sets, and gift cards to the children of Voz de Niños. Voz de Niños is a Laredo-based nonprofit that provides advocacy and care for neglected or abused children in Webb County, providing them with a trusted voice while helping the court make decisions in the interest of the child. To provide their kids with a sense of normalcy during the holidays, Voz de Niños ensures every child in their care gets Christmas gifts. It was an honor to help them make sure every child had plenty to open on Christmas morning.
Donated 1,000 School Supplies to Children’s Assessment Center | July 2023
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation collected school supplies to donate to The Children’s Assessment Center. CAC provides a safe haven to abused children and their families, offering a place where CSA survivors can receive the kind of care and treatment they need. They employ a multidisciplinary team approach that carries out prevention, assessment, investigation, and treatment of child abuse. Combined, their holistic approach helps ensure survivors and their families are able to recover. Our foundation was proud to contribute to their efforts by equipping each child in their program for the upcoming school year.
Sponsoring Fun Fair Positive Soccer Organization | July 2023
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation sponsored two soccer teams playing for Fun Fair Positive Soccer. FFPS is a nonprofit committed to giving as many kids as possible an exciting and encouraging experience with youth athletics. The organization utilizes five-a-side soccer rules and its own “Equal Substitution” system to ensure every player gets play time in each position equal to every other player. Coaching is held to a high standard to ensure a positive and genuinely enriching experience for every athlete. We’re proud to help this charity continue its mission to introduce youth to athletics in a safe and nurturing environment.
600 Meals Packed for Kids’ Meals Drive | June 2023
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation packed more than 600 lunches for our annual Kids’ Meals Drive in support of Kids’ Meals, Inc, a Houston nonprofit that feeds thousands of school-aged kids year-round. Our volunteers signed up for 30-minute shifts to help pack meals. We also made sure each lunch bag included a handwritten note, decorations, and stickers to make them extra special. It’s always an honor helping Kids’ Meals, Inc. serve the children in our community.
Donation to Leesville Youth Basketball Association | June 2023
We gave a gift of $2,000 to the Leesville High Lady Cats so the girls’ basketball team could buy equipment and uniforms for a youth basketball camp. The camp enrolled girls ages 5 to 14 to help them develop sportsmanship, teamwork, and basketball skills. The Lady Cats have just come off an incredible season, winning 18 games all the way to the second round of playoffs. We were happy to contribute to their basketball camp to bring more girls into youth sports.
Sponsored Varsity Cobras Little League Team | May 2023
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation sponsored the 2023 baseball season for the Varsity Cobras, which is affiliated with West University Little League. In addition to sponsorship, we rooted for the Cobras for personal reasons: our own Noah Wexler is the assistant coach for the team, and his son is a player!
Texas Energy Girls’ Softball Team Sponsorship | May 2023
In May 2023, the Texas Energy girls’ softball team was gearing up for a busy season. Coming off a game in College Station, TX, they are now preparing for a tournament in Ruston, LA, followed by the Jenny Finch tournament in Sulfur, LA and the International World Series in McAllen, TX. The AI Foundation was proud to sponsor them for $2,000, which will help with travel and equipment costs, among other things.
"Stars At Night" Gala for TAJF | April 2023
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation hosted a gala to raise money for the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, the largest fundraiser for legal aid in our state. The "Stars At Night" event raised money for legal organizations serving Uvalde through ticket sales, donations, and a silent auction. All told, we raised more than $151,000 toward legal aid for low-income Texans, including funding for services like domestic violence protection or housing court representation.
BakerRipley Donation | January 2023
Following the catastrophic tornados that hit Texas, Arnold & Itkin visited the BakerRipley Pasadena Campus to donate 70 jackets and $5,000 in support of the ongoing relief efforts. After the January disaster, BakerRipley worked relentlessly to assist the affected community, offering free meals, WiFi, and clothing to all who seek help. Arnold & Itkin is committed to helping BakerRipley as they help the community heal.
CASA Christmas Toy Drive | December 2022
Through the Arnold & Itkin Foundation, we try to better our society by giving back when and where we can. This December, one of the ways we chose to give back was by partnering with CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) for their annual toy drive. These donated toys will go to children who have endured neglect or abuse and deserve as much love and happiness as possible. We firmly believe that organizations like CASA are essential not just for those they help but also for the message of hope they spread throughout communities everywhere. Our foundation is proud to partner with CASA every year to ensure their kids have a truly merry Christmas.
Canned Food Drive with Target Hunger | November 2022
At the Arnold & Itkin Foundation, we believe everyone deserves access to justice. To help make this happen, we volunteer with organizations like Target Hunger—a nonprofit devoted to giving needy families millions of meals throughout Houston. They have food pantries, summer break food programs, and more. In November, we had the pleasure of working with them again to organize a food drive to fill up their empty food supplies. We were truly honored to be given a chance to support such a fantastic organization and further its mission as they provide millions of nutritious meals in our city.
Color of Justice Event for National Association of Women Judges | October 2022
In October 2022, the Arnold & Itkin Foundation hosted a Color of Justice event organized by the National Association of Women Judges. The Color of Justice is an NAWJ program designed to encourage “girls and minorities of all age levels to consider legal and judicial careers by bringing them together with judges and lawyers and providing them with resources to pursue goals.” In addition to hosting, Arnold & Itkin donated $2,250 to the Color of Justice Scholarship, which will help diversify our profession by supporting young women of color who want to pursue a career in law. We were proud to host this event as it celebrates diversity within our legal community while also helping empower future leaders.
State Fair of Louisiana Sponsorship for $15,000 | October 2022
In October, the Arnold & Itkin Foundation sponsored the 2022 State Fair of Louisiana with a $15,000 donation. We are proud to have supported the State Fair this year, which brought people together for a good time, promoted local businesses, and raised money for charity organizations. Our donation is just one of many ways we are committed to expanding the idea of justice within the communities of Louisiana.
The Way Home Charity Golf Tournament Sponsorship | September 2022
At Arnold & Itkin, we are dedicated to helping children in foster care find permanent homes. The Way Home Adoption is a vital community organization that does this critical work by connecting potential parents with kids and supporting them through the adoption process. We became a “Hole-in-One” sponsor of their annual charity golf tournament in September 2022, donating $2,500 to help even more kids find loving families. Our firm is grateful to support The Way Home Adoption, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them in the future. Together, we can help ensure that no child goes without a loving home.
Back to School Drive for The Children's Assessment Center | August 2022
The Children's Assessment Center in Houston is a non-profit that advocates and provides resources for children who have survived sexual abuse or trafficking. As such, they often work with kids who don't have access to academic support, including basic supplies for school. The Arnold & Itkin Foundation addressed that need by hosting a Back to School Drive for CAC, ensuring kids could get backpacks, pencils, pens, and other vital items for success in school.
Sponsorship for the Sabine Sweets—Dixie World Series Winners! | July 2022
Every year, the Arnold & Itkin Foundation looks forward to sponsoring Louisiana's own Sabine Sweets, a team of 7- to 8-year-old young ladies who have shown tremendous talent on the baseball field. This year, we helped equip and finance the team to get them to the Dixie World Series, where they faced off against other teams representing their states. We're happy to announce that the team won, became Dixie World Series champions, and brought home the trophy! These young ladies have inspired a great deal of hometown pride, and we couldn't be happier to hear they brought the whole thing home.
Donation to City Year Baton Rouge Food Pantry | June 2022
City Year is a nationwide organization committed to addressing inequality in education. In cities across the country, their AmeriCORPS volunteers provide underserved students with academic and social skills-building as well as general support for schools in dire need of educators and support staff. In Baton Rouge, food insecurity is a key factor in why educational opportunities aren't provided equally to students, which is why City Year Baton Rouge runs a food pantry. The Arnold & Itkin Foundation donated food to their pantry as part of their efforts to address systemic inequality in the Baton Rouge community.
Golf Cart Sponsorship for Annual Go Tejano Golf Tournament | May 2022
The annual Go Tejano Golf Tournament is a charity golf tournament hosted at the Houston Rodeo, one of the most hotly anticipated events in Texas every year. Go Tejano provides scholarships for Mexican-American students while highlighting the unique role played by Mexican-Americans in Texas history. The Arnold & Itkin Foundation sponsored a golf cart at the tournament to help support the organization's vital work.
Donation of $2,000 & 500 Lunches for Kids' Meals Inc. | May 2022
Kids' Meals Inc. is a non-profit that provides meals to kids who don't have access to school lunch programs during summer break. That's why the number of school-aged kids in Houston who need food practically doubles every summer. The Arnold & Itkin Foundation decided to help out by packing hundreds of lunches for Kids' Meals Inc. to distribute, as well as a $2,000 donation to help the non-profit continue its work.
Donation to Pasadena Special Olympics | January 2022
Every year, the Texas Special Olympics hosts around 300 athletic competitions for people with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics program provides training and competitive opportunities for children and adults alike, providing them with fulfillment and accomplishment of sport. The Arnold & Itkin Foundation was proud to donate logo items for the Pasadena Special Olympics to support them in their endeavors.
Christmas Toy Drives for CASA of Hidalgo County & Voz de Nińos | November 2021
CASA, or Court-Appointed Special Advocates, is a network of organizations throughout Texas that advocates for children in the foster care system. The kids in their care have survived neglect or abuse, so it's clear that their Christmases need a little extra help to make the time special. The Arnold & Itkin Foundation organized and hosted two toy drives for two different CASA organizations in Texas: CASA of Hidalgo County and CASA – Voz de Niños. Our firm donated gifts like soccer balls, art supplies, and other kinds of all-ages gifts to make sure those kids got everything they hoped for this Christmas.
Canned Food Drive with Target Hunger | November 2021
We worked with Target Hunger to organize a food drive for food-insecure households throughout Houston. Target Hunger is a non-profit committed to providing nutritious and satisfying meals to families in need, and in 2021 alone, they provided more than 1.3 million meals throughout Houston. Target Hunger runs multiple food pantries, summer break food programs, and more. We were honored to work with Target Hunger to help replenish their pantry supplies.
Rocking Chair Donation to The Children's Assessment Center | September 2021
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation donated to The Children's Assessment Center in Houston for their group therapy room renovation. We donated 10 rocking chairs to the organization—a comforting addition that will help the CAC work with the survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking. In addition to therapy, CAC provides families with advocacy, medical care, and other resources to help children recover from the trauma of sex abuse.
$5,000 Donated to Local Girls' Softball Team | July 2021
In July 2021, the Arnold & Itkin Foundation donated $5,000, duffle bags, and caps to the Sabine Darling Dixie Youth Softball Team. We gave the donation to help the team of 7- and 8-year-olds get ready to represent Louisiana at the Dixie World Series in Prince George, Virginia. The team had to travel across 7 states—an 18-hour trip! We’re proud of these young girls and were happy to back them at the Dixie World Series.
600 Lunches Packed for Kids’ Meals Inc. | May 2021
In May 2021, the staff of Arnold & Itkin packed hundreds of meals for Kids’ Meals Inc., an organization that provides daily healthy lunches to thousands of kids throughout Houston. Because free meal programs are tied to schools, only school-aged kids get them (and only during the school year, typically). Preschool-age kids who suffer from food insecurity often fall into that gap, which is why Kids’ Meals was founded. Kids’ Meals Inc. provides 3,400 to 6,100 daily meals to children under 6 every day during the school year, and to children under 18 when school is out. We’re proud to have contributed 600 of those meals and prouder to work with an organization doing such vital work.
Car Seat Donation to Casa de Esperanza | April 2021
In April 2021, The Arnold & Itkin Foundation donated car seats to Casa de Esperanza, a non-profit that we’ve enthusiastically supported in the past. Casa de Esperanza provides temporary housing within a safe, enclosed neighborhood for children in crisis. With highly trained and compassionate staff, they’re able to provide residential services for victims of abuse or neglect. Our car seat donation will make it easier for Casa de Esperanza to transport their kids safely and quickly all at once. As always, we’re proud to support this incredible organization meeting one of the most urgent needs in the Houston community.
Fleece Donation to Houston Area Women’s Center | December 2020
In December 2020, Arnold & Itkin made a donation of 12 boxes of brand-new fleece jackets to the Houston Area Women’s Center. HAWC provides vital services to the survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Their aid includes advocacy, counseling, education, shelter, and other forms of essential support. Our firm considered it an honor to help the shelter fulfill the urgent and ongoing needs of abuse survivors.
5th Annual RESPECT Contest | November 2020
In November 2020, Arnold & Itkin hosted our 5th annual RESPECT Contest virtually. Although the COVID precautions meant we couldn’t meet in person, the event still provided exceptional 5th graders with the chance to express what respect means to them. Four school districts each had three winners, with winners receiving a cash prize, a donation to their school, and a donation to the charity of their choice. Students donated to charities like the Make-a-Wish Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the Houston Children’s Charity, and more. The drawings and written entries this year were incredible, and our firm was honored to host these amazing students and educators.
Canned Food Drive for Target Hunger | November 2020
Arnold & Itkin organized a canned food drive for Target Hunger, a Houston-based nonprofit that provides for thousands of food-insecure households every month. Target Hunger has been on the front lines during the pandemic, providing food to seniors stuck at home and at-risk households in low-income neighborhoods while organizing weekly drive-through food distribution centers. Our firm organized a canned food drive of our own to support Target Hunger’s work and our staff contributed hundreds of high-demand items. We are proud to do our part to support Target Hunger and serve our most vulnerable neighbors in our communities.
Helping Support the Sunflower County Freedom Project | November 2020
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation has made a significant contribution to an organization near and dear to our heart: the Sunflower County Freedom Project. The SCFP is a life-changing non-profit in Sunflower County, Mississippi that is committed to developing young people into capable students and leaders.
In one of the poorest, most underserved counties in the nation, the SCFP provides students with educational travel trips, academic support, physical fitness training, leadership development, and college prep support nearly every night of the week and throughout the summer. Our foundation is happy to continue supporting an organization doing such important work for the Mississippi Delta.
Donating Hundreds of School Supplies for Back2School | July 2020
With thousands of children in Houston without the supplies they need for the school year, our firm’s staff got together to donate hundreds of school supplies to the Houston Children’s Charity “Back2School” program. This program has provided for more than 40,000 Houston kids in its history, helping them get equipped for academic success. Our employees are proud to support the students in our community, and we wish them all good luck for the upcoming year!
Donating 2,500 Meals with Kids' Meal Inc. | May 2020
Arnold & Itkin made a donation to Kids' Meals Inc., an organization whose mission is to end childhood hunger by delivering free meals to the doorsteps of preschool-aged children. Following school cancellations throughout the area, demands for meals from Kids' Meals Inc. has grown 133%. Our donation will provide 2,500 meals to children in the Houston community. We are honored to assist Kids' Meals Inc. and the incredible work they do.
Volunteering for the Houston Food Bank | April 2020
In April 2020, our File Room team members volunteered at the Houston Food Bank. With the coronavirus pandemic causing numerous families in our communities to lose access to income or groceries, the Houston Food Bank’s services are more vital than ever. Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways we can impact our communities and ensure our families get the food and support they need. Our thanks go out to our team members and the Houston Food Bank for taking care of our community.
Meal Delivery for Doctors & Nurses | April 2020
In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the Arnold & Itkin Foundation partnered with local restaurant Goode Co. BBQ to provided 185 meals to nurses and doctors in the ER and ICU at Houston Methodist Hospital. These healthcare heroes have been on the frontlines around the clock to protect our community from the coronavirus, and we could not be more grateful for the risks they've taken and the sacrifices they've made. Our team was eager to show our gratitude the best way we know how: with good barbecue.
Annual Holiday Toy Drive | December 2019
In December 2019, Arnold & Itkin employees once again joined forces to contribute hundreds of toys to Toys for Tots and the Houston Children's Charity. Every year, our staff participates in the annual toy drive to help families in need provide their children with gifts during the holiday season. We're always happy to help our communities bring a little more holiday cheer to families throughout Houston.
5th Annual Arnold & Itkin Field Day | October 2019
In October 2019, Arnold & Itkin LLP hosted the 5th annual Arnold & Itkin Field Day at Levy Park. Our staff and their families enjoyed a full day of carnival games, food, music, and prizes! The best prize of the day went to the winners of the Cornhole Tournament who won a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice. They decided to put their winnings toward St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. We were happy to give to such an amazing organization, and it made the day especially meaningful for all of us. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Field Day!
2018 Fall Clothing & Diaper Drive | October 2018
Arnold & Itkin LLP was proud to support the Houston Bar Association (HBA) and the HBA Campaign for Homeless Committee by getting involved in their annual Clothing & Diaper Drive. Our team of employees worked to gather diaper donations of all sizes, as well as warm clothing options, and professional attire. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to give back and help keep our neighbors warm during the winter months!
School Supply Drive | August 2018
The Arnold & Itkin team generously collected hundreds of school supplies to donate to the Houston Children’s Charity for their Back2School program. These children in need were able to receive fun school supplies to get them excited about going back to school. The Back2School program has been assisting under-served children in Houston since 2005 and have helped more than 20,000 students prepare for a successful school year. Our team is proud to support children’s education in the Houston community!
Holiday Toy Drive | December 2017
To spread holiday cheer, the Arnold & Itkin team generously gathered hundreds of toys for the Houston Children’s Charity as they partnered up with Toys for Tots. Houston families in need were able to pick out toys for their children to enjoy this Christmas. Our firm was honored to help these families experience joy this holiday season!
Alvin Community College Dolphin Athletics | November 4, 2017
We supported the Alvin Community College Dolphin Athletics at their 12th Annual Dinner and Auction. The event is sponsored by the ACC Foundation and proceeds from the event support scholarships, facility improvements, and equipment upgrades for the baseball and softball teams. We are proud to support this team and excited to see all that these athletes will achieve!
Bike Around the Bay | October 21-22, 2017
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation sponsored the biking team, The Southside Sisters, as they participated in the 2017 “Bike Around the Bay” ride, which benefits the Galveston Bay Foundation. The proceeds from this 2-day, 170-mile ride directly funds the Foundation’s mission to preserve and protect Galveston Bay.
Pasadena Special Olympics | September 30, 2017
More than half of the participants on the Pasadena Special Olympics team lost their homes during Hurricane Harvey, and many believed they would not be able to participate in the Fall Classic State Tournament. A $5,000 donation from the Arnold & Itkin Foundation ensured that every teammate affected by the storm had a room to stay in, food to eat, and new equipment to use at the competition.
2nd Annual Clothing and Food Drive | June 2017
We are committed to supporting our local Houston community. We hosted a Clothing & Food Drive benefitting Target Hunger and Houston Children’s Charity. Thanks to many generous donation, we were able to contribute several hundred articles of clothing, as well as food and household products to help those in need.
RESPECT Contest 2017 | April 27, 2017
We hosted the 2nd Annual RESPECT Contest awards ceremony at the Harris County Civil Courthouse. We invited 5th grade students to tell us what respect means to them along with an illustration to complement their explanation. The winning students were awarded a cash prize, as well as having a donation made on their behalf to their school and a charity of their choice. The chosen charities were St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Ima’s Home for Children, Elephants for Africa, and The Houston Zoo. Matching donations were also made to Keller Middle School, Melillo Middle School, Carpenter Elementary, and Deer Park Elementary. We were honored to meet these incredible students and assist in supporting their schools and local charities. Congratulations to all the winners! We can’t wait to see next year’s submissions.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo | 2015, 2016, 2017
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation is an annual donor to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, contributing over $30K since 2015 which helps support a scholarship program consisting of more than 750 scholarships totalling nearly $13 million annually. Currently, more than 2,200 students are attending 80 different Texas colleges and universities thanks to the scholarship program which has presented more than 16,000 scholarships since 1957.
Donations for the Beacon | December 2016
Some Arnold & Itkin Foundation team members dedicated some of their time on the weekends volunteering for The Beacon. This non-profit organization provides clothing, meals, job opportunities, and a health clinic for those in need. They also donated dozens of supplies to further support the cause.
Kingwood 5K | October 22, 2016
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation sponsored and volunteered at the Kingwood 5k and 1 mile kid run in support of Young Life Houston Northeast in Kingwood, a local non-profit organization devoted to introducing adolescents to Christ and helping them grow their faith.
Pasadena Special Olympics | October 14 and 15, 2016
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation is proud to support the Pasadena Special Olympics, providing equipment and uniforms to benefit the athletes. The Special Olympics provides opportunities for adults and children with special needs to participate in sports.
Neighborhood Longhorns | August 30, 2016
Former University of Texas football player Vince Young joined the Arnold & Itkin Foundation for an event benefiting the Neighborhood Longhorns, an organization dedicated to assisting economically disadvantaged students succeed academically.
Humble Girls Softball League | October 17, 2015
We are proud to sponsor the Lady Hawks of the Humble Girls Softball League in support of our local community and our wonderful paralegal Celeste Garza, who coaches the team. #softball
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | October 11, 2015
The Arnold & Itkin Foundation donated $75,000 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) which strives not only to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgeskin’s disease, and myeloma, but also to to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Our donation was part of nearly $50 million that LLS invested in 2016, including $1.2 million in co-pay financial assistance to Houston area patients to ensure everyone has access to the care they need. We are proud to be a part of this volunteer-led, staff-driven organization.
Houston Children’s Charities Back-to-School | August 17, 2015
We sponsored the Houston Children’s Charities Back-To-School program, collecting hundreds of school supplies to donate to underprivileged children. We also presented HCC with a substantial donation to help support its various programs, and our volunteers distributed backpacks full of supplies to families.
First Annual RESPECT Contest | April 23, 2015
For our first Annual RESPECT contest, we invited 5th grade students in Pasadena ISD to tell us what respect means to them, why it’s important, and to accompany their description with a drawing.
The winning students were awarded a cash prize and a donation made on their behalf to a charity of their choice. The chosen charites were Scholarship America Dream Award, St. Jude's Childrens' Research Hospital, Pleasant Hills Childrens' Home, and El Cordero De Dios Templo Cristiano.
Matching donations were made to the students' school to help fund a new Outdoor Learning Center. We were very excited and honored to meet these incredible students and support their school and local charities.
