Prepare. Provide. Prevent.

About Us

Our names are Eesha Agrahar and Roschelle D’souza and we are freshmen at Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas. We are part of a club called Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and as a part of this club, are participating in the Community Service Project. We are state winners and are now going to be proudly representing Texas at nationals.

For our state project, we strove to help children all around the world escape hunger. We did this by selling 370 cookies, raising 470 dollars, and donating all revenue to Feed the Hunger, an organization that provides meals to children in need. We also participated in a packathon, where we were able to pack 7,200 meals ourselves for these children.

This state project certainly impacted the lives of many, but for our national project, our hope is work locally and make personal connections to families that need help. View our Mission page for more details on our new project.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make and distribute emergency supply kits to low-income families in the Fort Bend County area. Since we live in a hurricane-prone region, we prepare for hurricane season every year, and we have been aware of the threat of natural disasters throughout our lives. We also know that our families are blessed to have access to resources that have helped us overcome hardships caused by natural disasters. However, there are many families in our county without the same basic resources that we have access to. By preparing and distributing emergency supply kits, our hope is that we would be able to help these families survive when disaster strikes again.

After going through the list provided by FEMA about supplies for disaster recovery kits, we consulted with our local fire department and then worked with social services to make the list localized towards Fort Bend County.

We came up with this checklist:

• Water Bottles
• First-aid kits
• Ready to eat food (Soup cans, granola bar, pudding, applesauce)
• Mini flashlights
• Flashlight batteries
• Masks
• Sanitizers
• Mini toothpaste and toothbrushes

Our Journey

From our district community service project, Lunches of Love, to our state level project, Feed the Hunger, to the national level, Emergency Supply Kits, we had a fruitful and exciting journey of service and the opportunity to bring about a change in the lives of people around the world.

For our state project, we strived to help children all around the world escape hunger. We found an organization called Feed the Hunger, who globally distribute meals to children in need around the world. We baked and sold over 370 cookies, in turn raising 470 dollars, and donated all our revenue to Feed the Hunger. Through this donation we funded 1,566 meals. We also participated in a packathon event at Grace Fellowship where we helped pack 7,200 meals to be sent to countries in need.

After a lot of brainstorming, we decided on making emergency supply kits. Our first step was to take a list of necessary supplies from the FEMA website and run it through the captain of our fire department in order to place our project focus on the Fort Bend County area. Then we called Fort Bend County Social Services, who put us into contact with the FBCCIS Program Coordinator, Stasha Scruggs. We worked with Ms. Scruggs and layed out our plan to prepare Emergency Supply kits for Needville and Kendleton, two low-income towns in Fort Bend County.

On our way back, we started collecting supplies by contacting Lowes. Soon after, we went to most of the retail giants, Walmart, Kroger, Target, Costco, Sams, Home Depot, etc., to almost all the stores in the Katy area to explain our mission to the respective store manager. They showed their appreciation for the cause by sponsoring many supplies for the emergency supply kits.

Thanks to all our sponsors, the supplies were now ready to be packed. For this we enlisted the help of our Tompkins FBLA chapter members. On April 27th, 2021, we arranged a packing event at Obra D. Tompkins High School where Principal Mark Grisdale made an appearance to supported the cause.

With our website we were able to raise donations from small businesses and individuals. We collected 1.5 tons of total supplies and transported it with the help of our parents to Kendlenton. We had the pleasure to meet Judge KP George and the Mayor of Kendleton, Mr. Humphrey, who helped us with our mission.

Learn

It’s important to raise awareness on how to be responsible and ready for disaster. The most common natural disasters in Texas include wildfires, floods, hurricanes, severe storms, tornadoes, extreme heat, landslides, and power outages.

Some supplies that you should keep together in a grab-n-go kit for each of these situations are:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert (to hear the instructions of local news outlets)
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, feminine hygiene products and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

After you ensure that you have the essential items, remember to maintain your kit so it’s ready when needed:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Replace expired items as needed.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.
Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
Citation: “Build A Kit.” Build A Kit | Ready.gov, www.ready.gov/kit.

What do I do in case of a...

Wildfire? The most important thing to do in case of any of these natural disasters is listen to officials. If they tell you to evacuate, evacuate immediately. In case of a wildfire, report any fire you see immediately to ensure the safety of others. If you are at home, shut off your gas and check all your vents to make sure that your home is safe. Lastly, locate your emergency supply kits, because they will be helpful if things get really bad. “Chubb: What to Do When a Wildfire Approaches.” Chubb in the US, www.chubb.com/us-en/individuals-families/resources/what-to-do-when-a-wildfire-approaches.html.

Flood? Find safe shelter right away. Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Depending on the type of flooding: Evacuate if told to do so. Move to higher ground or a higher floor. Stay where you are. Make sure to carry your emergency supply kit with you. “Floods.” Floods | Ready.gov, www.ready.gov/floods.

Hurricane/Tornado? Go to NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials. Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location. Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter. Review the CDC's guidelines for going to a public disaster shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make sure to keep your emergency supply kit with you. “Tornadoes.” Tornadoes | Ready.gov, www.ready.gov/tornadoes.

Storm? Make sure that you have a portable radio to listen to important storm updates, information, and instructions. Stay inside and keep away from all windows, skylights, and glass doors. Go to a safe area, such as an interior room, closet, or downstairs bathroom, and make sure not to come out of this safe spot until the threat is gone. Avoid power lines, and don’t touch anything in contact with these power lines to ensure that you don’t get shocked. Protect your home from further damage by boarding up a broken window. Keep accurate records of your expenses and save bills and receipts from your temporary repairs. Create a list of any damage caused by the storm, including a description of the item, name of the manufacturer, brand name, and age.If you think your home might be unsafe due to storm damage, contact your insurance company to discuss finding temporary accommodations.

Landslide? Listen to local news stations on a battery-powered radio for warnings. Always follow the instructions from local emergency managers. Make plans to shelter with friends or family in advance so that you can evacuate to their safe location if necessary. Review your previous evacuation plan and consider alternative options to maintain social and physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. During a storm that could cause a landslide, stay alert and awake. Many deaths from landslides occur while people are sleeping. Don’t cross a road with water or mud flowing or a bridge if you see a flow approaching. If you get stuck in the path of a landslide, move uphill as quickly as possible. If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow or water that changes from clear to muddy, since these can be signs that a landslide is coming. Grab your emergency supply kit from your car and keep it with you for safety. “Landslides & Debris Flow.” Landslides & Debris Flow | Ready.gov, www.ready.gov/landslides-debris-flow.

Power outage? Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows. Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges. Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices. Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you. “Power Outages.” Power Outages | Ready.gov, www.ready.gov/power-outages.

Donate

We appreciate your contribution to help build emergency supply kits catered to low-income families.

Testimonials

"Great job Esha and team helping families in need. Keep up the good work! " - NY

"GREAT GREAT WORK YOUNG LADIES. Young people like you thriving to serve the neediest is a great blessing. May god bless you’ll in your mission. More n more people will be inspired by your noble work and serve the neediest. God bless you and your parents" - Hubert

"Great job ladies! I'm very impressed with your work ethic and willingness to give back and help others. You are both an inspiration to our FBLA chapter. Keep up the good work!" - Shannon Jones

"Its truly a blessing to help and support Eesha and Roschelle - their Team ER is a great recue to our future as they inspire more kids and they bring sweet positive vibes and energy. I wish them all the best and more success. " - Dr. Sun, (Nisha Sundaragopal)

"Excellent project girls ! This is such a great initiative. Wish you girls all the best. " - Ourmila

"Amazing initiative girls, paving the way for a better future. Such an inspiration to see! Well done!" - Neha

"Taken away by such a wonderful deed Eesha and Roschelle are doing to help the less privileged in our county! You girls are awesome and are setting a great example for others to follow. Wish you all the best ! Cheers!!" - Aqua-Tots Swim Schools - Hina

"Young ladies, this is a great initiative and such a positive contribution to our community! Keep it up!!! " - Donna Stephan

"This is a great initiative, most people are not prepared for such emergencies and end up doing last minute panic shopping. All the best to you and keep up the great work" - Prashant

"Great job girls. All the very best and hope you are able to help as many families as possible. Keep on giving!!" - Ajitha

"Great going girls you gals rock this is a wonderful initiative you have taken to help the community and so proud to be contributing to this: I wish you and all associated with this best wishes and success ahead" - Allen Carvalho

"Well done, Eesha and Roschelle, for embarking on this noble initiative at a young age to help those in need in times of emergency. Happy to help!" - Allen D'souza

"This is very impressive, Esha and Roschelle. Keep up with your diligent and earnest efforts in giving back to the community!" - Abha Harish

"Great Initiative! Keep up the good work. All the best to you girls!" - Amrita & Anil

"Great job girls! Great initiative. Good going. Keep up the good work. All the best!!! " - Arun and Priya

"This is a great cause and thank you for showing inspirational leadership." - Austin

"Congratulations, Eesha and Rochelle on winning the Texas competition. Great project for the Nationals. All the best. Keep up the good work." - Dinesh Pejaver

"Awesome job Eesha and Roschelle. It is very heartening to see young people taking initiative to help the less fortunate. I am sure we will hear more about them in the future. Good luck!! " - Dr. Upadhyaya

"Keep up the good work, and all the best girls" - Farzana Sulemanji

"Girls you are doing such a fabulous job!! Great initiative!! All the best for completing your mission! Keep going" - Geetha & Shiva

"Girls you are doing such a fabulous job!! All the best and Keep going, so proud of you!!" - Hemu Basu

"Awesome job Girls. So proud of you!!! It is very heartening to see young people taking initiative to help the less fortunate, keep doing the good job." - Hemu’s Sweet Sensation LLC

"Congratulations, Eesha and Rochelle on winning the Texas competition. Keep up the great work." - Karen Steinbach Canales

"Great initiative, girls! Keep up the good work!" - Manju

"Amazing job girls! What a great initiative. So inspiring to see how you are contributing and making an impact to society." - Neha Chandra

"Congratulations Eesha and Roschelle, Very sweet of you To take up this task in helping people in need. Keep up the good work. God bless you." - Padmini Chunchu

"Well done Eesha Agrahar and Roschelle Dsouza for putting together emergency supply kits for the low-income families in our county. Good initiative" - Pritilata Mitra

"Wonderful initiative Eesha and Roschelle, great job girls! Wish you all the best! " - Priyanka

"Great Cause! Good luck and i wish you the very best" - Rahul

"This is a great cause that you all started! Congratulations!" - Sunny Chunchu

"No cause is small. Glad you are contributing in a good way to the families in need. Keep up your service attitude. All the best." - Vaishali Patil

Leave a Testimonial

Thank you for taking the time out to write a testimonial. Your response will be sent for approval and posted within 1 - 2 business days.

Thank you for contributing

Elements

i = 0;

while (!deck.isInOrder()) {
    print 'Iteration ' + i;
    deck.shuffle();
    i++;
}

print 'It took ' + i + ' iterations to sort the deck.';