WEST SPRINGFIELD — In a bid to curb gun violence and enhance community safety, residents of Western Massachusetts can swap guns for gift cards next week.
The annual exchange, which is anonymous, is organized by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office and Baystate Health.
The May 17 event at the West Springfield Town Hall, 26 Central St., runs from 8:30 to 10 a.m. People should bring guns and ammo in separate bags in the trunks of their cars.
As an incentive, participants will receive a gift card from the District Attorney’s Office in exchange for their firearms. Residents will receive one $50 Big Y gift card for each working, unloaded handgun, rifle, or shotgun, and two $50 gift cards for each assault weapon.
Guns collected are taken to an armorer to be destroyed, a spokesperson for the district attorney said.
Providing a safe way to turn in firearms is a small but significant step in protecting families and neighborhoods, Anthony D. Gulluni, district attorney, said in a statement.
“Every gun turned in is one less that could fall into the wrong hands,” he said.
In Massachusetts, about 255 people die and 688 get hurt each year because of gun-related incidents.
Even though the state has fewer gun deaths compared to others, more than half of these deaths are suicides involving guns.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that having guns at home, especially if they are not stored safely, makes it more likely for someone to attempt suicide.
