​Two Sanger High School students trying to raise money for US Flag Retirement Boxes and ADA-Accessible Playground Project

Two Sanger High School students from Girl Scouts Troop 7847, Charli Davis and Alexa Reaves, are each working toward the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award—an honor achieved by only five percent of Girl Scouts nationwide. The Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts organization, open only to Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Girls who pursue the Gold Award aspire to create innovative, sustainable, and measurable changes in their communities. Both girls recently presented their project plans to the Sanger City Council and are seeking community support to make a positive, lasting impact on their hometown.

Charli Davis: U.S. Flag Retirement Boxes

On December 16, 2024, Girl Scout Charli Davis presented her Gold Award plan to the Sanger City Council, announcing her goal to donate two U.S. Flag Retirement Boxes for the community.

• First Box Donation: Charli has already raised funds for one flag retirement box and donated it to the City at the December meeting. This box will be placed at the Veterans Memorial in the City Park on the Sanger Square.

• Second Box Plans: The Sanger City Council approved a second box to be located at the Sanger Fire Department. Charli is now seeking donations to fund this second $800 box. Her goal is to have this second box funded by March of 2025.

• Local Sanger Craftsmanship: The boxes will be manufactured locally by Creature Customs and McDorman Signs & Advertising.

• Community Support: Charli’s project has received support from the Lake Ray Roberts Elks Lodge #2862, American Legion Post #268 of Sanger, the Sanger Chamber of Commerce, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, and the Sanger Lions Club. The Lions Club President Brad Allison is her sponsor for the Gold Award project. The Lions Club will help collect retired flags placed in the boxes which will be properly disposed of during a Flag Retirement Ceremony on Flag Day in June. The Sanger Parks and Recreations Department will install these boxes in the next few months. 

Alexa Reaves: ADA-Accessible Playground Project

On January 6, 2025, Girl Scout Alexa Reaves presented her Gold Award project to the Sanger City Council, detailing her plan to enhance accessibility at Switzer Park.

• Playground Upgrades: Alexa aims to replace outdated playground equipment with nine new ADA-accessible pieces, 30’ x 30’ shade structure and install pour-in-place rubber surfacing to ensure wheelchair accessibility and overall inclusivity.

• Total Budget: $165,000, which covers equipment, installation, surfacing, shade covering, and associated costs (e.g., design and shipping).

• Community & City Collaboration: Alexa has been working on this project for the past 18–24 months in collaboration with Ryan Nolting, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Sanger. The Sanger Lions Club, led by President Brad Allison is her sponsor for this Gold Award project. Lions Club V.P. Geronimo Polanco has been guiding her grant application process. Reaves also reached out to Tatiana Medrano Director of The Miracle League of Sanger for guidance on equipment selection and overall support on this project.

• Goal for Completion: Alexa will return to the City Council in June 2025 with the aim of having the project fully funded and ready to move forward. Her Gold Award Project needs to be completed by September of 2025.

Switzer Park ADA Accessible Playground Project Sponsorship Tiers

Alexa is actively seeking sponsors or donors to help fund the various components of her ADA-accessible playground project. Sponsorship opportunities include:

1. Bronze Level Sponsors/Donors $1,500 - $5,000 (5)

• Equipment Range: $1,300 – $2,600

• Number of Items: 5 pieces of small playground  aequipment

• Recognition: Sponsors will receive company name placement on a donor plaque near the sponsored equipment and acknowledgment in project-related communications.

2. Silver Level Sponsors/Donors $5,000 - $10,000 (3)

• Equipment Range: $5,200 – $7,500

• Number of Items: 3 pieces of moderately priced playground equipment

• Recognition: Sponsors will receive more prominent name placement of company name on a donor plaque near the sponsored equipment and acknowledgment in project-related communications.

3. Gold Level Sponsors/Donors (2)

• Equipment Range: $15,000 – $20,000

• Number of Items: 1 larger ADA- Wheelchair accessible playground structure, 1- 30 x 30 Sunshade Pyramid Playground Cover

• Recognition: Sponsors at this level will receive high-visibility recognition, including company logo signage on the donor plaque, mentions in press materials, and opportunities for media coverage.

4. Platinum Level Sponsor/Donor (1)

• Equipment Amount: $55,000

• Supports: Pour-in-place rubber surfacing (vital for ADA compliance and safe, accessible play)

• Recognition: Platinum sponsors gain top-tier Logo and Company Name visibility—dedication plaques, featured coverage at public events, and recognition in all key communications.

5. All other donations will go toward additional expenses, including installation, site preparation, shipping, and final completion.

Girl Scouts are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means that, in most cases, donations to the Girl Scouts are eligible for a tax deduction under U.S. law. Donors will receive a tax receipt or acknowledgment letter for their gifts, which they can use when filing taxes. As always, it’s best to consult with a tax professional regarding individual circumstances.

How to Help

Community members, businesses, and organizations interested in supporting Charli Davis’s or Alexa Reaves’s Gold Award projects are encouraged to reach out for more information or to become a sponsor:

• Email: gstroop7847@gmail.com and sangertxlionsclub@gmail.com

Brad Allison, President of the Sanger Lions Club, shared his pride in sponsoring both Girl Scouts: “I am honored to sponsor these two, as both of their projects are very ambitious. It is refreshing to see the youth of today thinking about our community and how they can make it a better place today and for tomorrow.” Together, we can help these dedicated Girl Scouts achieve their goals and honor their commitment to serving the Sanger community.

Girl Scout leadership is all about empowering young girls to discover their unique strengths, develop critical life skills, and make a positive impact in their communities. A shining example of this is the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, which challenges girls to design and implement impactful projects addressing real-world issues. From creating sustainability initiatives to improving access to education or advocating for social change, Gold Award projects showcase the creativity, determination, and leadership of Girl Scouts. Through hands-on activities, service projects, and collaborative learning, girls gain confidence, build resilience, and learn to lead with courage and compassion. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, Girl Scouts inspire girls to become the leaders of tomorrow while leaving a lasting legacy in their communities.