The first of three planned gun-buyback events in Phoenix drew so much interest that it nearly exhausted the program's funding, forcing organizers to scale back the two remaining buyback dates, reports the Arizona Republic. The Saturday gun buyback, held at three churches, netted 803 weapons: 442 handguns, 162 shotguns, 198 rifles and one assault rifle. Those who turned in guns got grocery gift cards: $100 cards for handguns, shotguns, and rifles; $200 cards for assault weapons. Police last weekend distributed $80,400 in gift cards — the bulk of a $100,000 anonymous donation that funded the program, a partnership between Phoenix police and the non-profit Arizonans for Gun Safety. Officials have acknowledged that a buyback is unlikely to decrease gun deaths dramatically but said such a program is an important service for residents to dispose of unwanted firearms “with no questions asked.” People may turn in an unwanted gun without getting a gift card.