United Playaz to Organize Annual Gun Buyback Event Aiming to Remove Weapons from San Francisco Streets

United Playaz to Host Annual Gun Buyback Event

On December 14, 2024, United Playaz, a community development and violence prevention organization in San Francisco, will host its Annual Gun Buyback Event from 8 am to 12 pm PT. This initiative, coinciding with National Gun Buyback Day, aims to remove 500 firearms from the streets and is especially poignant as it marks the 12th anniversary of the Sandy Hook school shooting.

The gun buyback event will provide community members with a chance to anonymously surrender unwanted firearms in exchange for cash—$100 for handguns and $200 for assault rifles. This no-questions-asked approach is designed to encourage the safe disposal of guns, helping mitigate gun violence, particularly affecting the city's youth.

United Playaz partners with the San Francisco Police Department and various local gun violence prevention organizations, including the leading cannabis brand STIIIZY, which has contributed significantly to this year's efforts. The aim is not only to collect and destroy firearms but to reshape the narrative surrounding community-led violence prevention initiatives.

Once collected, the firearms will be securely destroyed and their materials recycled into new items, such as jewelry. These efforts are crucial, as since its inception in 2010, United Playaz has successfully removed over 2,500 weapons from circulation across various gun buyback events.

Rudy Corpuz Jr., Executive Director of United Playaz, emphasizes the program's importance stating, "Every year, we work tirelessly with our partners to create a safer environment by getting guns off the streets and out of homes, which ultimately reduces the risk of violence. People’s lives are more important than any dollar.” The event will be staffed by volunteers and supported by local government and community leaders.

In addition to financial support amounting to $40,000 from STIIIZY over the years, others like Pierce's Pledge also contribute to the initiative. This organization focuses on preventing gun violence among children through effective gun storage solutions.

Tak Sato, the President of STIIIZY, stated, “At STIIIZY, we believe that building stronger, safer communities starts with giving back.” The company's ongoing support strengthens communal bonds, emphasizing collective efforts for impactful change.

This event not only serves as a public safety measure but also aims to foster community spirit and cooperation. Participants can feel a sense of accomplishment by contributing to a safer San Francisco. Each surrendered firearm represents a step towards a community that prioritizes safety and well-being.

With a diverse population represented at United Playaz's UP Clubhouse, the organization focuses on helping youth from varied backgrounds build friendships and recognize their commonalities. This promotes a culture of support and empowerment—essential for long-term societal change.

For more details about the event or United Playaz's ongoing initiatives, visit unitedplayaz.org. Together, we can continue to work towards a safer, more inclusive city where violence has no place.