I am a volunteer with Be SMART, a program that distributes information to all adults to help keep kids safe from firearms. Our local group is part of the national organization Everytown for Gun Safety. We distribute information through presentations as well as tabling events that draw adults and kids alike. We give out brochures, post cards, book marks and have conversations with adults to help people learn that five simple steps can save lives. SMART is an acronym: Secure all guns in your home and vehicles; Model responsible behavior around guns; Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes; Recognize the role of guns in suicide; Tell your peers to be SMART.

I would like to purchase gun locks to give to gun owners who need them, along with our safety information. Our local group has given out hundreds of gun locks, but our supply is getting very low. We would especially like to give out gun locks at the Red River Zoo's event Boo at the Zoo in October. Last year we gave out 150 locks over 2 days of the event. We'd like to give out even more this year.

This mission is more important than ever before. 4.6 million American children live in homes with guns that are both loaded and unlocked. Every year, nearly 700 children, 17 and under, die by suicide with a gun. Firearms are now the leading cause of death for American children and teens.
Every year, 350 children in America under the age of 18 gain access to a firearm and unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else. 3/4 of school shooters acquired their firearm from the home of a parent or close relative. Giving gun locks to people who don't have them will help save lives.