The Boston Buyback is part of Red Sox Nation!

Official Press Release
7/1/2006

City’s Gun Buyback Program Gets Major Boost by Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox today joined Mayor Thomas M. Menino to announce a $25,000 donation to the Boston Police Department’s 2006 Boston Gun Buyback “Aim For Peace.” The program has already taken more than 525 operational firearms off the street.

“This donation from the Red Sox will help continue this important program that is taking guns off our streets. Stopping the violence in our neighborhoods takes more than just a police response – it takes all of us working together,” Mayor Menino said. “Once again, the Red Sox have stepped up to the plate for the community.”

The gun buyback program is a proactive approach to reduce gun violence and signifies a movement to inspire a change in attitude and behavior. This “no questions asked” initiative seeks to take guns off the streets and send a clear message that encourages young people to reject a life of crime and violence and embrace a life of personal responsibility, hope and peace.

“We at the Boston Red Sox are committed to Mayor Menino’s initiative to stop violence and make Boston a safer place,” said Larry Lucchino, President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox.

The goal of this program is to prevent gun violence, particularly violence against Boston’s youth, by removing as many guns as possible from Boston streets and homes over the course of one month. As part of this revival initiative, officials are teaming up with the faith community in a special outreach and intervention effort for gang members and other young people who possess firearms.

When city residents “Aim For Peace” and trade in a gun they receive a $200.00 Target ® gift card. Firearms are accepted at various designated drop-off sites citywide Monday through Friday from noon to 7:00 p.m. Drop-off locations include every district police station and eight additional community sites.

A hotline, 1-888-GUNTIPS, has been established for individuals who do not wish to deliver a firearm to a designated location and would like to arrange for a private exchange. The hotline is also available for neighbors who wish to provide information related to criminal activity or can provide information leading to the whereabouts of a “community” firearm.

For a complete list of official drop-off sites as well as turn-in protocol, please visit www.cityofboston.gov/AimForPeace.

Community partners include:

Target Corporation, Project RIGHT Inc., Boston Ten Point Coalition, Hyde Square Task Force, Katherine Mainzer-Bella Luna Restaurant, Lewis S. Dabney-Million Mom March, Bowdoin Street Health Center, Quincy Geneva Housing Corporation, Boston Center for Youth and Families, Dorchester Youth Collaborative, St. Catherine Rectory, Charlie Rose-City Year, Urban Youth in Leadership Program, Urban Edge, Hope Church, Ella J. Baker House, Mass Communities Action Network, Roxbury Multi-Service Center, Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation, WinnResidential, Grove Hall Youth Workers Alliance, Michael Patrick MacDonald, United Church of Christ, Church of Scientology, Sandler Lacoste-Boogs Wear, Inc, Boston Housing Authority, City Links, Youth in Crisis Ministry, Inc, Streetworker Program, WFXT Fox 25, the Boston Herald, Community Newspaper Company, WILD 1090 AM, WERS 88.9 FM, the Bulletin Newspapers, Clear Channel, the MBTA, the Dorchester Reporter, the Mattapan Reporter, the Charlestown Bridge

About the Red Sox Foundation:

The philanthropic arm of the club, the Red Sox Foundation is committed to using the power of the Red Sox fan base to improve the health, educational, and recreational opportunities for children and families in New England, and address social issues that affect the quality of life in urban neighborhoods.

A registered 501c3 charity, the Red Sox Foundation was created in 2002, immediately after the group led by Principal Owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner, and the team's partners purchased the Red Sox. Henry, Werner, President/CEO Larry Lucchino, and the team's partners generously funded the Red Sox Foundation by committing to provide more than $18 million over ten years, making it the largest professional sports foundation in New England and one of the largest in Major League Baseball.