Piece for Peace organizers are seeking donations to help pay for the two-day gun buyback program in Akron.
They are trying to raise $70,000 for the event, which is scheduled for Aug. 26 -27 at the Word Church, 1700 Brittain Road.
City Councilwoman Tara Mosley Samples said organizers are about halfway to their goal.
She said the community and country are at a critical time when it comes to gun violence.
Three people were shot and one was killed last week during a vigil at Lane Field in Akron.
“If we have to pay to get them, that’s what we need to do,” she said.
The money raised will be used to staff the event and buy the firearms.
Piece for Peace will pay gift cards of $50 for rifles and shotguns, and $100 for handguns and assault weapons.
There will be no questions asked and no identification needs to be provided, Samples said.
Akron police, Barberton police and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office are partnering on the project.
The program will take place at the church from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 26, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 27.
Checks may be sent to: Summit County Crimestoppers, c/o Treasurer/Chief Michael Mier, 1280 Sunset Drive, Copley, OH 44321.