Christina Davenport, 17, a student at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, recently completed her Girl Scout Gold Award by leading a large group of volunteers through an extensive blanket making process and educating volunteers to the mission of Ronald McDonald House. Christina became involved with Ronald McDonald House when she was in 1st grade and has continued her commitment through her Senior year in High School. At a very young age Christina was very effected by the kids staying at Ronald McDonald House and wanted to make a difference. Starting in 1st grade Christina collected pull-tabs that Ronald McDonald House melted down and sold. This provided them with extra money in which they are then able to help pay for the patient's housing. To complete her Girl Scout Gold Award, Christina lead volunteers which included her fellow dance team members, school friends, church friends, her parents and even her grandmother in an extensive fleece tied blanket making process. In the end, she delivered over 80 blankets to Ronald McDonald House. The staff was over joyed when Christina showed up and stocked their shelves. In Christina’s words, “this project gave me an opportunity to give back and help those in a greater way than just the pull-tabs. My hope is that the community will see what a great organization this is and want to further help these kids in need.”
Ronald McDonald House of Dallas provides over 4000 families every year with housing whose children are seriously ill or undergoing treatment. The house not only supports the health and well-being of those retrieving treatment but also provides the families with a home-away- from- home. No matter what, medical treatment is uncomfortable and nerve racking.
Christina has been a member of Girl Scouts since 1st grade and says the program has taught her valuable life skills. One of the most important was leadership skills along with patience, respect, responsibility, and confidence. In her own words, “I gained very essential skills in this project that I can use for years to come.”
The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, combines leadership development, career exploration and community service. It culminates in an 80 plus hour leadership project that each girl plans and executes according to her own interest and passions. Each girl must discover an issue in the community, connect with experts and community members, and take action to effect positive change.
For more information about Girl Scouts, call Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas at 972-349-2400. Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas is 26,600 girls and 12,500 adult members strong. That's nearly 40,000 girls and adults who believe every girl can change the world! We have girls reaching their fullest potential in 32 northeast Texas counties. Our girls are discovering what’s important to them, connecting with their community, and taking action to make the world a better place!