The father and stepmother of recently drowned Elijah Spratt, 10, collected nearly 500 life jackets and personal flotation devices.

Following the drowning death, stepmom Jacqueline “JJ” Edwards began promoting a life jacket drive. Elijah, who was placed in foster care at the time, was not wearing a PFD when he drowned June 30 in Arlington. The PFDs are to be put in sheds near popular swimming areas around Puget Sound, including the park where Elijah drowned. Edwards also wants to install a shed with several life jackets at Deer Lake.

Recently, Edwards was contacted by several groups, including cities, to request she donate some life jackets for similar use in places as far away as Texas.

She said she was working to get a booth at the Whidbey Island Area Fair from Aug. 15-18, and at Aquafest in Lake Stevens on July 26-28.