Kicks 4 Guns takes a chunk out of firearm violence in Apopka

Gun violence in America is reaching epidemic proportions. Take a look at these statistics compiled just in 2018 alone:

According to a gun violence website with 1,500 independent sources throughout the United States, there have been 45,935 incidents of gun violence, 11,640 deaths 22,750 injuries, 289 mass shootings, 239 law enforcement officers shot or killed and 1,273 accidental shootings in 2018.

An unwanted gun can easily become a stolen gun, and stolen guns are often involved in violent crimes according to a government study.

A U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics report found that 1.4 million firearms were stolen across the United States from 2005 through 2010 (there is no more current study). It also found that the vast majority — at least 80 percent — was never recovered, and that almost 1 in 5 (18%) of the mass shootings in the United States took place with stolen weapons.

But Central Florida has a unique way to take unwanted guns off the streets.

The Kicks 4 Guns program, now in its 20th year, was at 12 locations all around Central Florida earlier this week, including the John Bridge's Center in Apopka. The program allows citizens who want to get rid of weapons with no questions asked - participants received sneakers or gift cards in the exchange.

At John Bridges, there were 27 firearms and three BB guns turned in.

At John Bridges, there were 27 firearms and three BB guns turned in, which pleased District 2 Orange County Commissioner Rod Love.

“Neither the community nor law enforcement are taking their foot off the gas pedal when it comes to getting guns off the street," said Love. "We all have a role to play in creating safer communities.”

Kicks for Guns has removed over 10,000 unwanted guns from the streets of Central Florida in the last 20 years. It is sponsored by the Real Radio 104.1 radio station in Orlando.

And in Apopka, Kicks 4 Guns took a little chunk out of firearm violence.