WORCESTER, Mass. - UMass Memorial Medical Center has been teaming up with police departments in Central Massachusetts for nearly 20 years to get guns off the streets.

The Goods for Guns Buyback program asks people to turn in guns in exchange for a gift card.

The City of Worcester’s Medical Director, Dr. Michael Hirsh says they usually get around 200 guns, but he expects the number to be lower this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Hirsh says gun sales went up in the past eight months and hopes inexperienced gun owners either get more training or bring them in.

"The message should be if you are not an expert in firearm safety, it is a danger to you to have a weapon lying around unsecured,” Dr. Hirsh said.

This year there were only three drop off locations: Charlton, Southbridge, and Worcester. There are usually 15 locations spread throughout Central Massachusetts.