Foundation for slain 12-year-old collects more than 200 backpacks

Ayanna Brown says her living room is "beautifully chaotic" after a collection drive Saturday for backpacks and school supplies she and her husband, Louis, plan to distribute to local children.

The couple are the parents of Alajawan Brown, 12, who in 2010 was fatally shot in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven in Skyway when a gang member mistook him for a rival.

The Browns have launched a foundation called Alajawan's Hands and were featured in a front-page story in The Seattle Times on Friday, which described their effort to honor their youngest son.

Their goal is to collect 1,000 backpacks. The tally so far: 202 backpacks and "a barrage of school supplies," Ayanna Brown said. "My couch is completely covered," she said. "You have to be careful where you walk or you will hurt yourself."

Ayanna Brown said she's been overwhelmed by the response, which included a call from the Seattle Seahawks. The Browns were invited to a team practice on Sunday and met coach Pete Carroll, she said, adding that team officials have pledged to donate 100 backpacks to the cause.

The Browns will again be collecting backpacks and school supplies at the Walmart in Renton, 743 Rainier Ave. S., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

Sara Jean Green: 206-515-5654 or sgreen@seattletimes.com

By Sara Jean Green Seattle Times staff reporter

By Sara Jean Green
Seattle Times staff reporter