A gun buyback program will be held this weekend in which participants can turn in their working but unwanted firearm in exchange for a $50 Walmart gift card.

The program will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the following locations:

• Berrien County Health Department, 1205 N. Front St., Niles

• Berrien County Health Department, 2106 S. M-139, Benton Harbor

The gun buyback event is being offered by the Southwest Michigan Advocates, Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT) and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department with the support of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

Since the first gun buyback program held in Berrien County in 1995 by the Stop the Violence Coalition, more than 1,000 working, but unwanted firearms have been collected.

Participants will receive a $50 Walmart gift card for each working, but unwanted firearm exchanged, which can be used toward the purchase of any merchandise except alcohol, tobacco or other firearms and ammunition. Ammunition clips or other firearm accessories will be accepted for disposal; however, no gift cards will be issued for these items.

Firearms brought to the gun buyback sites must be unloaded and transported in the trunk, locked container or rear of the vehicle inaccessible to the occupant(s).

The Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office has agreed not to prosecute individuals who turn in firearms for possible violations of state statutes concerning the transporting, carrying, or possession of any firearm to the gun buyback sites on the date and times mentioned. Members of the public who exchange a firearm for a gift card will not be asked for identification and can remain anonymous. All firearms turned in will be destroyed.

Contributions for members of the public who would like to make donations to support future gun buyback events can be sent to:

• Southwest Michigan ALPACT, c/o Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, 919 Port St., St. Joseph, MI 49085.