Grandparents lock it for love
Grandparents Against Gun Violence is giving away gun locks. Since early August, the non-profit has distributed 369 high-quality gun locks to firearm owners representing 90 local zip codes. Included in the giveaway is hands-on training on proper use and safe gun storage provided by officers with the Kansas City Police Department.
“We provide free gun locks for people who say they have a need for one to keep it safe from children,” says Barb McNeile. “They need to know how to use the gun lock properly so officers demonstrate using a “dummy gun.”
Attending the demonstration is required for obtaining a free gun lock from GAGV.
“We don’t give gun locks unless a policeman demonstrates and explains how to use them and answers questions,” McNeile says.
The purpose of GAGV’s gun lock giveaway, labeled Lock it for Love is to save lives; neglecting to educate firearm owners on gun storage safety and how to use gun locks correctly would defeat that purpose. According to the Government Accountability Office, research shows that giving away gun locks can help improve home storage practices and limit unintentional access.
“Our goal is to save the lives of children who may use a gun to harm themselves -- a curious two-year-old or a 15-year-old who’s been bullied and had unfortunate thoughts of suicide,” says McNeile who chairs the Lock it for Love project.
The gun locks GAGV is distributing are simple to use devices that fit most types of guns. They fit over and through a gun’s trigger lock to provide protection against accidental discharge and can only be removed with a key.
“The police officer with us always asks what kind of gun an owner has and tells how to use it with that particular firearm,” McNeile says.
Since formally launching Lock it for Love in July, GAGV has participated in more than 15 community events, answering questions about in-home gun safety and sharing information. The group initially focused on high-crime Kansas City, Mo., neighborhoods, but the project has mushroomed.
“We’re getting invitations throughout the community,” McNeile says. “When we go to events, we meet people who ask us to come to their event.”
The all-volunteer group is self-funding the gun locks, but as the proactive program grows, GAGV is seeking grant opportunities. It also accepts donations on its Website (https://moksgagv.org/).
Although 90 percent are grandparents, GAGV welcomes everyone interested in keeping children safe by reducing gun violence to become a member.
“We’d love to have Hispanic members,” McNeile says. “One of our goals is to have all our literature translated into Spanish, and we’d welcome volunteer translators.”
Prospective members are welcome to attend the group’s next meeting on Dec. 4, 3:30 p.m. at Colonial Church in Prairie Village, 7039 Mission Road. There will be a demonstration on the use of gun locks.
GAGV accepts invitations from area organizations to bring Lock it for Love to their events. Contact GAGV through the Website. Owing to online translation services, messages don’t have to be in English. GAGV just wants to spread the word. Their motto is educate, advocate, participate. Lock it for Love is one of several initiatives.
“We’re a caring group of volunteers, aware that violence is a major issue in our community,” McNeile says. “We’re not sure that we can make an impact on what goes on outside the home in terms of curbing gun violence, but we’re optimistic that with Lock it for Love, we can make an impact on what goes on inside homes to keep our children safe.”
