Worcester to Hold Gun Buyback This Saturday

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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

GoLocalWorcester News Team

On Saturday, the City of Worcester, along with UMass Memorial Medical Center and Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early, will be hosting a Gun Buyback in an effort to lower the number of gun-related incidents in the city.

“Gun safety is one of the biggest public health issues facing our community. In the United States, one in three homes with children has a gun, and well over 100,000 Americans are victims of gun violence each year. Every gun we take off the streets makes our community a safer place for everyone,” said Michael P. Hirsh, M.D., Medical Director of the Worcester Division of Public Health and chief of pediatric surgery at UMass. 

In exchange for each gun dropped off, individuals will receive gift cards for groceries. Gift card denominations are $25 for a long gun; $50 for a pistol or revolver; and $75 for an automatic or semi-automatic weapon.

“Any time we get an improperly stored or unwanted gun out of a home it is a success,” said District Attorney Early. “It reduces the risk of an accidental shooting or suicide by gun. Any time we can reduce those numbers we are more effective in doing our jobs.”

In recognition of National ASK Day (June 21), free gun locks will also be available for pick-up and will be distributed to anyone that wants one. 

The Gun Buyback will take place on Saturday, June 27 from 9:00am to noon at the EMS garage at 100 Providence Street, Worcester.

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