Camden officials say they collected 57 guns as part of a "Goods for Guns" program.

Mayor Dana Redd says 22 rifles and 35 handguns were anonymously turned in during Wednesday's event, which was staged at several area churches. Those who turned in the weapons received $100 gift cards to a local supermarket.

The gift cards were acquired through donations and sponsorship by various groups, businesses and agencies, including the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

Officials had initially planned to conduct the collection program sometime next year. But those plans were changed following a spike in shootings and other violent crimes in the city. Redd says all the guns collected during the event will eventually be destroyed.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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