Officials were offering Target and Food 4 Less gift cards in exchange for surrendered firearms during a “Gift for Guns” event held in South L.A.’s Adams neighborhood Saturday.
“No questions asked, no strings attached,” was touted on a flyer for the event, hosted by newly elected Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell and L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.
The event, held at a Food 4 Less at 11407 South Western Ave. (map), was scheduled to be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or while supplies lasted, according to Ridley-Thomas’ website.
Those giving their firearms could do so anonymously, the website stated.
Food 4 Less or Target gift cards worth $400 for an assault weapon, $100 for a handgun or $50 for an inoperable weapon would be given.
“The key to success of this type of program is indeed the support from the community. In this case, especially the role that Food 4 Less and that Target play as excellent corporate citizens for the community. We hope that this exchange will indeed get some of these dangerous weapons off the street,” Ridley-Thomas stated on the site. “By exchanging these weapons for gift cards, we hope to encourage a peaceful and fulfilling holiday season.”
