ORLANDO, Fla. – Law enforcement agencies across Central Florida are hoping a push to get guns off the streets will make communities safer.
The annual Kicks For Guns event gives people a chance to turn in unwanted weapons and get a $50 gift card.
Last year, people turned in about 140 firearms -- no questions asked --Â to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
The only requirement is for the gun owner to ensure the weapon is unloaded and stored in a plastic bag inside a car so a deputy or an officer can safely remove it.
At 2:30 p.m. Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff's Office tweeted that they had collected 58 guns. Of those 58, three were stolen firearms, officials said.
KICKS 4 GUNS: Major Rick Meli reminds the community of the importance of turning in guns that you no longer need. We are at several location throughout Orange County today. You’ll a $50 gift card when you turn in a firearm. If you don’t need it, you can donate it (like he did). pic.twitter.com/EaIq0sHVC8
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) October 24, 2019
Maitland police hosted an event with the Winter Park Police Department.
Maitland police Lt. Louis Grindle said the first person arrived just before sunrise.
"He brought in a couple of shot guns: a riffle and two hand guns," Grindle said.
Grindle said Kicks4Guns is a way to make sure guns do not end up in the wrong hands.
"It's a great opportunity for people to turn in weapons that they do not want to keep in their house any longer, just whatever reason they don't want possession of those," Grindle said.
Kicks for Guns started 21 years ago when Real Radio 104.1 began working with law enforcement partners to get guns off the streets. Initially, sneakers were given in exchange for guns, but most agencies now issue gift cards.
The first set of weapons turned in this morning for the 2019 Kicks 4 Guns event. 2- shotguns 1- rifle 2-...
Posted by Maitland Police Department - Florida on Thursday, October 24, 2019
Here are locations hosting Kicks for Guns on Thursday:
United Church of Christ
9300 University Boulevard, Orlando, FL
Open: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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The Rotary Club
475 North Kirkman Road, Orlando, FL
Open: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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OBT Development Building
2719 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL
Open: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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John Bridges Center
445 West 13th Street, Apopka, FL
Open: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Orlando Police Department
OPD Headquarters on W. South Street.
Open: 7 a.m.
Osceola County Sheriff's Office
Osceola Heritage Park, Oak Tree out front by 192
Open: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Daytona Beach PoliceÂ
Midtown Substation, located at 995 Orange Ave
Open: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Clermont Police Department
Stormy Hill Harley Davidson, 2480 S. U.S. Highway 27
Open: 7 a.m. to 2Â p.m.
Maitland and Winter Park police
Vacant lot at Maitland Avenue and Horatio Avenue
Open: 7 a.m. to 2Â p.m.