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Firearms that were brought in by the public during gun buy-back programs in Greenfield, Northampton, and Orange were destroyed at WTE Recycling, Inc. in Greenfield. Here, a load of guns waits to be brought to the shredder.

(Don Treeger | The Republican)

WORCESTER - In an effort to get guns off the streets of Worcester, the city will be holding a gun buyback on Saturday where anyone can turn in guns in exchange for grocery gift cards valued at up to $75.

The buyback program is being held in collaboration with UMass Memorial Medical Center and Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.

The gun buyback will take place on Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at the EMS garage at 100 Providence St.

Gift cards for groceries will be given for each gun dropped off, in the amounts of: $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," Early said. "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 addition to the buyback, people are invited to pick up gun locks free of charge. The gun locks will be provided for by a grant from the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, whose programs are aimed at preventing injury through research, advocacy, and education.

