‘Goods for Guns’ Program Rewards Disposal of Firearms

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

Dr. Michael Hirsh

On Saturday morning, Dr. Michael Hirsh, the UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center, the City of Worcester Division of Public Health and The City of Worcester Police Department will hold their 13th annual 'Goods for Guns' gun buyback program. The program allows anyone to anonymously turn in a firearm in exchange for gift cards from local businesses.

Goods for Guns started in 2002 at UMass Memorial and has since taken more than 2,300 guns off the streets. The program originated while Dr.Hirsh was working in Pittsburgh in 1992.

The program, endorsed by the Office of District Attorney Joe Early, is a collaboration bewteen the WPD and UMass Children's Center, along with Injury-Free Coalition for Kids in Worcester and the Umass Memorial Trauma Center.

This year, Goods for Guns expands to Grafton, Leicester, Millbury, Northborough, Shrewsbury and Westborough. The town of Grafton held their 'Goods for Guns' last weekend.

Goods for Guns is offering a $75 gift certificate for a semi-automatic weapon, $50 gift certificate for a handgun, and a $25 gift certificate for a long gun. The program will also be accepting non-operable guns, live ammunition and firearm accessories, however no gift certificates will be issued for these items.

All guns must be brought unloaded and wrapped in a bag.

This year the buyback will be held on Saturday, December 13 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Worcester Police Department, 9-11 Lincoln Square, Worcester. The Shrewsbury, Westborough and Northborough police departments will be a part of this event. For more information, call (508) 799-8531.