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| By Dan Cooper Staff Intern EAST LONGMEADOW The East Longmeadow Police Department will be doing their part to help reduce accidental firearm deaths to children by helping with the "Gifts for Guns" program on April 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. "This program has been run in Worcester, Mass. since 2002 and has resulted in over 1,005 guns being turned in," Police Chief Douglas Mellis told Reminder Publications. The Gifts for Guns program is a collaboration between local police departments, local physicians, the District Attorney's office and area Wal-Mart stores, who are providing the gift contributions. Mellis said that as an example of the success of the program, the University of Massachusetts' medical facility in Worcester provided statistics that show the average medical cost of treating a gun shot patient is about $11,000. "Since 2002, the Worcester area has paid out in gift totals enough money to have provided care for five potential victims of gun injuries," Mellis said. Mellis said there are three locations where people can turn in their guns. Guns are being collected at the Joseph A. Budd Youth Assessment Center on Liberty Street in Springfield, the South End Community Center on Howard Street in Springfield, and the East Longmeadow Police Department. "This event is a project of the Pediatric Surgeons Services and the Springfield, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow and Hampden and Wilbraham Police and School Departments," Mellis said. "It also comes with the endorsement of the Office of District Attorney William M. Bennett," he added. Mellis said this event is offering a Gun Amnesty Buy Back with Wal-Mart being a big contributor for the gifts portion. If a semi-automatic is turned in, a $75 gift certificate is issued. For handguns, a $50 gift certificate is issued and long guns are good for a $25 gift certificate. All guns must be operable and all gift certificates are to Wal-Mart. There is a limit of four guns per person and dealers are not allowed. Gun registrations are not required and drop-off is anonymous. Free gunlocks are also available. Guns must be delivered unloaded and in a clear plastic bag in another container such as a backpack. Ammunition, if being deposited, must be in a separate bag. Guns must be in the trunk of the car if being transported by car. Once the gun is screened and determined to be a working firearm, the appropriate gift card will be distributed. Any one who would like more information about the program can call 787-6360. |