
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A group of pediatricians from St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children are hosting a gun buyback on June 8, the first of what they hope will be an annual event.
“We’re not talking about making guns illegal. We’re talking about getting rid of guns that people don’t want,” said Dr. Jerry Goldstein.
About half of the gun crimes in Pennsylvania are committed with a stolen firearm, which is why Goldstein believes it’s so important for people to remove unwanted weapons from homes before someone else does.
“In any way, shape, or form that we can help reduce the number of guns in people’s homes they don’t want — we may be contributing to less suicides, successful suicide efforts,” he added. “Less likely to have a tragic accident or injury with kids.”
The buyback takes place at the Muslim American Society, 123 E. Luzerne St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“There will be no questions asked,” added Dr. Tim Klouda. “Anybody who has unwanted firearms or ammunition can come to the site and turn it in without any questions or any prosecution, and get a gift card to a local food store.”
The grocery store gift cards are worth $50 a piece.
Klouda said police from the 24th and 25th districts will be there just to take the guns — no arrests will be made. They are also giving away free gun locks, and you can learn how to safely store your guns.
For more information, call 215-686-3240 or email philagunbuyback@gmail.com.