Last year, a gun buyback program in which firearms were exchanged for gift cards brought in 305 weapons ranging from handguns to military assault rifles--in less than three hours. Gun drive founder Rev. Ikenna Kokayi hopes to do the same this year.

On Dec. 21, people can exchange handguns and rifles for a $50 gift card to Ralph’s grocery stores, one for each weapon. Assault rifles are worth $100 each in Ralph’s gift cards.

Last year, the gun buyback brought in 305 weapons.

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“I’ll take bullets too,” says Kokayi. “Last year, we received cases of ammunition and a hand grenade.” Kokayi is president and CEO of the United African American Ministerial Action Council (UAAMAC) and says most of the weapons were turned in by homeowners.

Gang members aren’t turning their guns in, but he says that household firearms can and do end up in the hands of criminals during the course of a burglary.

“We’re trying to make these guns unavailable,” he says.

“This is UAAMAC’s deal,” says acting San Diego Police Capt. Debbie Farrar. “They get all the credit. We’re just there to support them.”

Farrar says police were taken aback by the amount and the variety of guns collected in last year’s drive.

“We will have SWAT officers there again this year to receive the guns and unload them,” she says.

Farrar says to bring firearms unloaded and in the trunk of the car.

“No questions asked,” says Kokayi. “We’re not gonna ask you who you are or where you got the gun.”

Guns will be accepted whether functioning or not, but in order to receive a gift card, the gun must be in working condition.

Last year, the turnout was greater than anticipated, and demand exceeded supply--the UAAMAC ran out of gift cards.

“But people were still willing to trade in their weapons without receiving a gift card,” says Kokayi. “I stopped the drive because I didn’t have any more money to give, and some of those weapons were just given to us.”

The local gun buyback was started by Kokayi in 2008 in response to a Dec. 6 gang-related shooting in which two local teens were murdered after attending a party in Valencia Park.

This year’s holiday gun drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4981 Market Street near the Euclid Street trolley station. Police will destroy all firearms collected at the drive at a later date.

Gun owners may voluntarily turn in a firearm to any San Diego Police Department Community Station at any time (without receiving a gift card). Non-drivers may also call the San Diego police department and arrange for a home pickup.

For more information, call UAAMAC at 619-264-1213.