Program Offers Detroiters $50 Grocery Credit For Guns
DETROIT (WWJ) - Wayne County is hoping that a $50 grocery credit is enough to get Detroiters to surrender their weapons.
The "Groceries for Guns" event takes place Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the New St. Paul Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Detroit.
Sponsored by Southfield-based personal injury law firm Goodman Acker, the event allows those interested in surrendering any type of unloaded gun to do so with no questions asked. In exchange, individuals will receive a $50 gift card to Meijer for each gun turned in.
"Like so many others, my partner Barry Goodman and I just have had enough of the gun violence that is claiming lives and destroying families and communities," attorney Gerald Acker said in a statement. "We can't save the world, but if this program can help save just one life, it's certainly worth it."
Groceries for Guns will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until all of the available gift cards have been distributed. After that, surrendered weapons will continued to be collected without an added incentive until the event is over.
"Our goal is to encourage people to bring in unwanted guns, which will be a positive contribution to making our homes and neighborhoods safer," Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano said in a statement. "If you know of or have a weapon lying around, turn it in. That one small move will make a world of difference in our neighborhoods."
Law enforcement officials say the timing of the program couldn't be better, as Detroit was just named multiple times on a list of the most dangerous neighborhoods in America -- taking the top three spots.
New St. Paul Tabernacle Church of God in Christ is located at 15340 Southfield Service Drive, just north of Fenkell. The event will take place in the church gymnasium, and will be staffed by a strong contingent of Sheriff Deputies and volunteers.
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