Times Union: Donation to Albany Gun Buyback Program Allows Expansion to Troy

The Times Union published an article about St. Peter’s Health Partners’ $10,000 donation in memory of 46-year-old Terrance “Deke” Roberts, an Albany Memorial Hospital employee who was shot and killed earlier this year.

The donation kicked off this year’s edition of the Albany County Gifts for Guns gun buyback program.

From the Times Union:

“We want to make sure we are doing our part to help realize the vision of a community without illegal guns,” Virginia Golden, chief executive of St. Peter’s and Albany Memorial hospitals, said in presenting the health system’s gift Tuesday at St. Peter’s Hospital. “We also hope our involvement and support will inspire other organizations and businesses to get involved, and get their colleagues involved as well.”

The Gifts for Guns program has taken more than 650 guns out of the community since its inception in 2008, said Albany County District Attorney David Soares. The program was launched after 8-year-old Kathina Thomas was shot and killed by a bullet intended for someone else. Soares’ office partnered with Pastor Charlie Muller of Victory Christian Church to create the program.

Through the program, anyone can exchange an illegal gun for a $150 Crossgates Mall gift card.

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