Residents can receive up to $100 for surrendering weapons on March 16
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
The Coatesville Youth Initiative is one of the agencies partnering to reduce violence in Coatesville through the Gun Buy Back.
The statistics are grim: Coatesville exceeded the national, violent crime rate by 190.97 percent in 2010. A coalition of community organizations wants to reverse that trend.
The Coatesville Youth Initiative, Child Guidance Resource Centers, New Life In Christ Fellowship, Valley Creek Crisis Centers and the Coatesville Police Department are partnering to help remove firearms from Coatesville-area streets on Saturday, March 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Coatesville Memorial Community Center, 99 N. Ninth Ave.
The Gun Buy Back is a no-hassle and no-questions-asked opportunity to turn in firearms, organizers said. Coatesville Police Officers will be on hand to ensure the guns are handled properly. Police Chief Jack Laufer said the guns will not be reused; they will be melted and likely turned into manhole covers.
Gift cards, up to $100, will be distributed to citizens who turn in weapons. Individuals can surrender an unlimited number of guns; however, they can only receive payment for two firearms, and organizers are seeking donations to subsidize the gift cards. Contributors of money or gift cards will be recognized the day of the event and acknowledged in press releases.
Checks can be made payable to the Coatesville Youth Initiative and will be accepted until March 8 at 4 p.m. They can be mailed to 50 S. First Ave., Coatesville, 19320, att: Gun Buy Back Program.
For more information, contact Lula Defersha at 610.380.9080, ext. 111, or ldefersha@brandywinefoundation.org.
