03-24-09 Gun Buy Back - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 2. 2009 Program - June 13, from 10 am – 3pm at three locations: ? Mishawaka – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 616 Lincoln Way East ? South Bend – No. 2 Fire Station, corner of Lincoln Way West and Martin Luther King Blvd. ? St. Joseph County – Penn Twp Fire Station #2, 13750 McKinley Highway, Mishawaka PROCEDURES: ? Anonymous drop-off at any of the three locations ? Guns must be unloaded ? Any type of gun is accepted ? Gift cards will be provided (while they last) - Amount of gift card will depend on the condition and value of the gun, up to a maximum of $75. A critical key to the success of the program are the gift cards that are awarded to those turning in guns. In 2007, one individual turned in twenty guns. The Gun Buy Back committee is seeking cash donations which will be used to purchase gift cards from area merchants. Over the next two months the committee will be actively seeking donations from individuals, businesses, or faith-based organizations, for the gift cards. Donations to C.U.R.E. can be sent to: Joe Radzikowski Healthy Communities Initiative 401 E. Colfax, Suite 310 South Bend, In 46617. Checks should be made payable to Health Communities Initiative (HCI) Recognizing that there are many people who want to get rid of their guns, but just don't know how to go about it, this program can help. “Rather than risking the possibility of having the guns end up on the street, residents now have a simple way to get them out their home and avoid the potential for violence,” stated Mayor Luecke. “This program can be especially helpful for older adults who may have guns in their home and are afraid to touch them. Gun buy back programs have been successful in other cities around the country. Offering this program sends a message that our community is committed to getting guns off the street and out of our community.” In addition, for one week before the Gun Buy Back day, residents who are unable to bring in their gun(s) can call either the South Bend, Mishawaka, or St. Joseph county police departments to arrange for pickup of unwanted guns. Police won't ask for identification and won't do background checks on the people who turn in a weapon. All the weapons accumulated during gun buy-backs are melted down and destroyed at an area foundry. Established in 1997 in response to increased incidents of shootings in local communities, C.U.R.E. provides a forum for faith-based ministries, service organizations, and civic leaders to address various means of promoting racial harmony and non-violent conflict resolution in the greater St. Joseph County area. For additional information, please call 574-239-8585 or 574-257-3530. - 30 -