Gun buyback program funded by local businessman
By Melody Brown-Peyton
Published in News on June 29, 2018 5:50 AM
Gun buyback programs are typically set up and funded by local government.
And while the Goldsboro City Council considered such a program in recent years, one local business owner and community advocate is stepping up to the plate and financially backing his own gun buyback program in the city.
The buyback will be held Sunday afternoon, in the parking lot at 200 W. Ash St., from noon to 6 p.m.
"For a number of years, I have been trying to come up with a way to help our community, along with helping young men turn their lives around," said Bobby Harvey, owner of Harvey's Moving Co. and one of the leaders of the 100 Fold Mentoring Program. "My objective is to get as many guns off the streets (as possible) and to be able to foster a relationship with anyone who turns in a gun."
Harvey wants to provide anyone in the community with a chance to turn in their guns -- no questions asked. No one will face any criminal charges related to weapons turned over during the event, Harvey said. Goldsboro police will not be at the event, and after the guns are turned in, Harvey will coordinate with law enforcement to dispose of the weapons.
The gun buyback program is an effort to make Goldsboro a safer community but also an opportunity Harvey hopes will help youth and adults find a way out of gun violence. One of the things Harvey said he has learned is that most people who have a record believe there is no hope for a better life.
"Oftentimes, they feel trapped and are doing things they don't want to do anymore," he said. "I just want to show people that if they want to change, they can change."
Also planned is a Southern style dinner that will be provided, at no cost, to anyone in attendance. The goal behind offering the event and dinner on Sunday is a way to provide the community with a time of fellowship and a time for families to come together, he said.
"Many of us can remember growing up when Sunday was the biggest meal of the week that included family times," he said. "I want to create that same atmosphere during this event on Sunday.
"We will be offering the community a Sunday Southern style dinner. It will be a great time of fellowship."
In the end, Harvey hopes the buyback program will offer the opportunity to build trust, while working toward curbing gun violence overall.
"I support what Mr. Harvey is doing," said Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West.