DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS, TN - About 160 guns are off the Memphis streets, thanks to a "Gift for Guns" program. Hundreds of folks took Mayor Myron Lowery up on his offer for a hundred bucks for a gun.
Many say with the tough economy, a couple hundred bucks towards a Kroger gift card goes a long way. This is the sixth time Lowery has had the event. Throughout the years he says they have taken in more than 2,000 guns.
“This is a people killer,” said a Memphis Police Lieutenant as he put a 9 millimeter gun into the pile of guns to be destroyed.
That's exactly the type of gun Memphis Mayor Myron Lowery is trying to get off the streets.
“Thank you so much,” Lowery said as a young woman handed him a gun.
“A pistol, German something.”
Anyone who brought in a gun got a gift.
“Two gift cards from Kroger,” said a woman who brought in two rifles.
“Rain check for a Kroger gift card for $200,” said a man who brought in two rifles.
Some opted for the gift card from the New York Suit Exchange.
“Groceries. Yes, I would rather have the groceries than the gun behind the door,” said Kimberly Anderson from Whitehaven.
Most asked for the gift card to use towards groceries.
“With the economy, stuff like that people want to do the Kroger thing,” said John Washburn.
“Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I have a big family. We're going to eat good this Thanksgiving,” said graduate student Naysha Scott.
The guns were collected at a place that symbolizes non-violence.
“These guns will never hurt anyone, shoot anyone, or kill anyone. These guns will be destroyed,” said Lowery.
Most people say they brought the guns in because they didn't use them.
“It wasn't serving a purpose at the house, it was just an old shotgun lying around,” Anderson said.
“I don't use it anymore.”
“I had found it. My father had passed, and I had found it amongst his things, and I'm trying to get rid of it,” said Valerie Smith.
Others are just glad to have one less gun on the streets.
“It's a good thing, but it would be better if they get the illegal guns out first,” Washburn said.
“Yeah, get it out of the house,” said Ruth Anderson.
“I think it's great to get the guns off the streets of Memphis. It's known for the high crime rate,” Scott said.
“Somebody can't come in and steal it and use it to do something bad,” Anderson said.
All the guns will be destroyed.
They also held a "Done with Guns" program for kids inside the Civil Rights Museum to teach them about gun violence and safety.
Lowery says they will have the total number of guns collect on Monday, October 12, 2008, when he is also planning on announcing a new crime initiative.
