City Offers Citizens Free Flu Shots And Gift Card In Return for Their Guns

The city of Worcester, Massachusetts is asking citizens to bring their weapons to the police department next weekend as part of the city's annual "Goods for Guns Buyback Program." In return for the guns, the city will offer gift certificates, and - a free flu shot.

Telegram.com reports:

"City residents, or residents of any other community, may bring their unwanted weapons, unloaded and wrapped in a bag, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to the Worcester Police headquarters in Lincoln Square, or from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 8 to the Worcester Division of Public Health, 25 Meade St."

Since the program began in 2002, "Goods for Guns" has collected approximately 2,200 guns. Last year 40 guns were collected by the police department. Deputy Chief McGinn said guns that are turned in are destroyed.

The program allows individuals to anonymously turn in "unwanted and unloaded" guns to the police department. In return, citizens are presented with a Wegman's gift certificate. The value of the gift depends on the type of gun. For example, a long rifle earns a $25 gift certificate; handguns earn a $50 gift certificate, and a semiautomatic weapon, a $75 gift certificate.

[link to cnsnews.com]