Hartford's three trauma centers are sponsoring a gun buyback program. It's aimed at preventing children and criminals from getting access to the unwanted weapons, while also reducing injuries and deaths.
Representatives from Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford Hospital, and St. Francis Hospital announced the program Thursday morning. It will take place Saturday, December 5th, at the Community Renewal Team in Hartford from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
"Gun injuries in children are a frustrating problem to deal with because you almost always have a sense that these injuries could have and should have been prevented," said Dr. Brendan Campbell, the Director of Pediatric Trauma at Connecticut Children's.
People who drop off working guns will get a gift card to Kohl's Department Store. If you turn in a shotgun or a rifle, you'll get a $25 gift card. If you turn in a revolver, you'll get a $50 dollar gift card. If you turn in a semi-automatic handgun, you'll get a $75 gift card.
If you're planning to turn in a gun, make sure it's unloaded, in a clear plastic bag, and placed in a paper bag or box, officials said. The guns will all be destroyed, unless testing shows they were used in crimes.
