Gift Cards Offered for Guns in Binghamton

CLICK on the button above to hear Jack Gilroy and Cecily O'Neil discuss the gun exchange initiative with Bob Joseph on WNBF's Binghamton Now program.

Another gun exchange program is being held in Binghamton for people who want to turn in weapons that are not wanted.

The "Gift Cards for Guns" initiative is sponsored by Veterans for Peace.

Organization president Jack Gilroy said people can turn in unwanted guns at St. Mary's Church at 37 Fayette Street on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Gilroy said more than 100 guns have been collected as part of the initiative. The guns that are turned in are crushed.

Gilroy acknowledges gun exchange programs aren't a solution for gun violence in the United States. But he said he views the efforts as symbolic.

Gilroy said the goal is to make homes safer by removing guns that people no longer want around.

Gift cards valued at $50 will be provided for long guns. Cards valued at $100 will be given for handguns and assault-type weapons.