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Swap Guns For Toys

WXXI News

Would someone exchange a gun for toys? It's worth a try, according to Gary Mervis from Project Exile.

"This is a way to hopefully see if we can't take a few more guns so they don't get into the hands of criminals."

The exchange is made, with no questions asked.

You know the ultimate winners will be some kids who maybe will have a nicer holiday, or even a holiday where they might not have, because there's no money to be had and they're not on anybody's list. Gary Mervis, Project Exile

Project Exile, which works to get illegal guns off our streets, is trying the new tactic. The toys are from the Pirate Toy Fund.

"This is kind of unique. It's an opportunity for people to turn in those guns that they maybe don't know how to use, don't really like having around the house, or maybe they're short of funds. It's that holiday time and everybody wants to try to make a nice Christmas for their children."

Mervis hopes that will convince people to turn in guns at the Crime Victim's Resource Center, 244 S. Plymouth Avenue today (Saturday) 10 am until 5 pm.

"You know, if you don't feel comfortable walking around with a gun, just come in the parking lot, a police officer will come out, get the gun and bring it in. They'll make sure the gun is completely discharged. Then, they'll record it. There's no questions asked."

Then you get to go into another room to choose toys from the Pirate Toy Fund.

"You turn in the gun and you walk away with toys and there's no questions asked. People don't have to worry about getting into trouble. Because a lot of times people are very nervous. They don't want to get in any trouble but they don't want the gun and they don't know what to do with it."

Brad Smith won the Cortland County (NY) spelling bee as a seventh grader from Homer High, in a championship broadcast live on local radio. Brad’s been trying to relive the “magnificent” (winning word) moment ever since.
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