Sheriff's Deptartment Giving Gift Cards for Guns

In the wake of last week's tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut, the San Diego Sheriff's Department is offering gift cards in turn for unwanted guns.

According to the department, anyone with a gun they'd like to get rid of can bring it to 415 Euclid Ave. in San Diego on Dec. 21 from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and hand it in for a gift card.

The Sheriff's Department is participating with the United African American Ministerial Action Council in the Guns for Gift Cards program, a press release stated.

The Sheriff's Department utilized $10,000 in asset forfeiture funds to purchase the gift cards, they stated. Since the collaboration, which began four years ago, the sheriff's department said 851 weapons and ammunition have been taken off the streets of San Diego County.

All guns brought in must be in working condition. Shotguns and rifles can be exchanged for $50 gift cards and hand guns and assault weapons can be traded in for $100.

There is a limit of one gift card per vehicle. The gift cards can be redeemed at area grocery stores.

Anyone participating should place the unloaded firearms in the trunk of their cars, the department said. A uniformed police officer will give instructions at the location.

All weapons collected will be destroyed.