Gun Buyback Program Calendar

Find a Gun Buyback Program Near You

Name: Six Gun Buyback Events Launched Across Metro Detroit Area
Start: 2024-07-13
Location: Southfield, MI

If you are looking for an upcoming gun buyback program in your area, you’re in the right place. We offer a comprehensive schedule of local gun buyback programs so that you can stay informed on both upcoming and past events.

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Upcoming Gun Buyback Events in Michigan

Past Events in Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI Past

Ann Arbor Church Hosts Final Gun Buyback on Nov 9

Nov 09, 2024 Sat

St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor hosted the final installment of a gun buyback initiative on Saturday, collecting over 60 privately owned firearms.The event marked the conclusion of a series of six buyback events organized by southeast Michigan Episcopal churches, which collectively recovered more than 300 weapons to be destroyed and repurposed.Event DetailsDate: Saturday (recently concluded)Location: St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, Ann ArborTerms of Exchange: Gift cards provided in exchange for firearmsEligibility: Open to community members with unwanted firearmsCommunity ImpactTom Ferguson, director of St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, highlighted the emotional impact of the program: "When you see the people come, you find out why it's important when they tell you I've had this gun in my closet it was my dad's and I didn't know what to do with it or it was my husband's or it had some tragic thing in their family and they're really relieved."Among the participants were Leo Wisniesky and his wife from Ypsilanti, who turned in an AR-15 that had belonged to their son. "He's no longer interested in it and we've had it in the house for several years and we don't have any use for it," Wisniesky explained.From Weapons to ArtAfter collection, the firearms undergo a transformation process. The weapons are first disassembled and destroyed with assistance from Physicians for the Prevention of Gun Violence. These components are then repurposed into art pieces.Future EventsThe success of this initiative has prompted organizers to plan six additional gun buyback events for next year, including another at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church.

Pontiac, MI Past

Pontiac Gun Buyback Turns Weapons into Art

Sep 28, 2024 Sat

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11 AM to 3 PM

A community-led initiative to reduce the number of unwanted firearms in Pontiac will take place this Saturday, September 28. It offers residents an opportunity to safely dispose of guns while supporting art and healing.The event, co-chaired by Rev. Donna Lockhart of All Saints Episcopal Church and Kermit Williams of Oakland Forward, aims to address gun violence concerns while transforming surrendered weapons into meaningful art pieces.Event DetailsDate: Saturday, September 28Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Location: All Saints Episcopal Church, 171 W. Pike St., PontiacCompensation:ArtworkT-shirtsGift cards to Kroger or MeijerProcess: Volunteers will use six high-performance saws to destroy firearms on-site in the church parking lotEligibility: Open to anyone with unwanted firearmsAdditional Activity: University of Michigan researchers will be present conducting a study on unwanted weapons funded by Oakland County and private donationsContextGun violence saw eight homicides and 15 injuries reported so far in Pontiac in 2024. Kermit Williams, co-chair of the event, stated that destroying unwanted guns will contribute to community safety in the area.The event will feature a special recognition ceremony at noon, where State Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac) and State Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Keego Harbor) will receive Golden Gun Lock awards from the nonprofit End Gun Violence Michigan for their advocacy work.Community ImpactPeople affected by gun violence can memorialize loved ones by writing their names on gun parts that will become part of "The Wailing Wall of Gun Violence," a mobile art installation described by Rev. Chris Yaw as "a living monument to those affected by gun violence."Rev. Yaw, who serves as event organizer and pastor at St. David's Episcopal Church in Southfield, leads a gun-disposal ministry. He explained the purpose of the memorial: "Those harmed by gun violence live on to inspire us to make our communities safer."For more information about this event, residents can contact All Saints Episcopal Church directly.

Bloomfield Township, MI Past

MI Gun Buybacks to Honor MSU Shooting Victim Alex Verner

Aug 03, 2024 Sat

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9 AM to 1 PM

A series of gun buyback events across Michigan is scheduled, with local Episcopal churches leading efforts to reduce unwanted firearms in communities. At the center of this initiative is the Verner family, who lost their daughter Alexandra "Alex" Verner in the February 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University.Family Transforms Tragedy Into ActionTed and Nancy Verner, along with their children TJ and Charlotte, are actively participating in these events to honor Alex's memory. The 21-year-old was one of three students killed in the MSU shooting that also critically injured five others. Alex would have turned 22 on August 17."We're just trying to adjust to a new norm," Ted Verner said. "Ups and downs each day. Every day brings a positive, and sometimes a negative," added Nancy Verner.The family established the Alex Verner 24 Foundation following the tragedy, which awards scholarships to Clawson High School graduates and supports various community initiatives.The foundation has raised more than $200,000 for scholarships and donations to organizations that Alex supported.Transforming Weapons Into ArtThe August 3 event at Nativity Episcopal Church in Bloomfield Township collected 54 firearms. The weapons are destroyed using high-performance chop saws operated by trained volunteers, including Ted Verner himself."When you see a gun that can actually fire and hurt somebody and turning it into art or scrap metal, it is actually a really cool feeling," Ted Verner said.What makes these buyback events unique is the transformation of gun parts into artwork. The Rev. Bob Alltop, Nativity's rector, explained the significance: "It reminds us of God's transforming power to turn what was meant for threat or harm into things of beauty and tranquility."Parts from the destroyed firearms are being repurposed into jewelry, key fobs, crosses, and other artistic pieces. Some components will also be incorporated into a two-story art project.Key DetailsDates/Schedule: Six consecutive monthly events from July through November 2024Locations: Episcopal churches across southeast Michigan including Southfield, Bloomfield Township, Detroit, Pontiac, Waterford Township, and Ann ArborTerms of Exchange: Participants receive artwork, T-shirts, or gift cards from Kroger or MeijerResearch Component: University of Michigan researchers are studying unwanted weapons as part of the initiativeFunding Support: Oakland County commissioners unanimously approved $10,000 in funding ($5,000 from the Safer Communities Fund and $5,000 from the general fund)Community ImpactThe Verner family sees their participation as a way to keep Alex's legacy alive. Though Alex was someone who "flew under the radar" and "didn't want the spotlight," Ted Verner believes she would now embrace their efforts: "She would look down and say, 'No, let's make a difference.'"The next gun disposal event is scheduled for August 24 at the Church of the Messiah in Detroit, with additional events following monthly through November.

Southfield, MI Past

Six Gun Buyback Events Launched Across Metro Detroit Area

Jul 13, 2024 Sat

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9 AM to 1 PM

The Episcopal Diocese of Michigan has launched a series of gun buyback events across Metro Detroit, beginning with the third annual disposal event at St. David's Episcopal Church in Southfield. This year's initiative features an expanded schedule of six events running from July through November 2024, with enhanced protocols including on-site destruction of collected firearms.Event DetailsFirst Event Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024 Time for All Events: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Upcoming Locations and Dates: August 3: Nativity Episcopal Church, 21220 West 14 Mile Road, Bloomfield TownshipAugust 24: Church of the Messiah, 231 E. Grand Blvd, DetroitSeptember 28: All Saints' Episcopal Church, 171 W Pike St, PontiacOctober 5: St Andrews Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Rd, Waterford TownshipNovember 9: St Aidan's Episcopal Church, 1679 Broadway St, Ann ArborCompensation: $50 gift card for each long gun$100 gift card for each handgun$200 gift card for each assault rifleAlternative options include artwork or t-shirtsGift Card Providers: Kroger or MeijerNew On-Site Destruction ProcessThis year marks a significant change in the program's approach, with all firearms now being destroyed on-site as participants wait. The Rev. Chris Yaw, pastor at St. David's Episcopal Church, implemented this change after learning that guns collected at previous Metro Detroit buybacks weren't properly destroyed, with some parts being recycled and sold for reuse.Specialty saws have been purchased to ensure collected guns and components cannot be used again. Serial numbers from each firearm will be recorded and provided to law enforcement to identify any stolen weapons or those connected to crimes.The enhanced destruction process allows participants to witness the decommissioning of their surrendered firearms, providing transparency and confidence in the program's effectiveness.Community Impact and Artistic TransformationEach buyback event costs approximately $30,000 to operate, with the Oakland County Commission approving a $10,000 grant to support the initiative. The program represents a collaborative effort among area religious leaders.A unique feature of these events is the "Guns and Crafts" tent, where firearm parts are transformed into artwork including rosaries, crosses, jewelry, and key chains. For more information about upcoming buyback events, residents can contact St. David's Episcopal Church or visit the websites of participating churches.

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