By Joe Dominguez
J.Dominguez@krdo.com

PUEBLO - For the next month, one anti-gang crusader in Pueblo is giving gang members a chance to trade their guns for food gift baskets and a Christmas tree, no questions asked.

It's the third time Frank Arteaga has tried this in the last 20 years taking 27 guns off the streets.

"We got a variety of guns from sawed off shotguns to small Saturday night specials," said Arteaga after trading guns for food in 1994 and guns for Broncos tickets in 1998.

Arteaga says he was inspired to launch the 'Peace For The Holidays' program after watching two young people murdered in Pueblo earlier this year. Police believe both killings were a result of gang violence.

"It's a proactive way to deal with the issue of gun violence in terms of gang members and young people who seem to think a gun is the best way to solve their problems,' said Arteaga. 

The program has the blessing of Pueblo's Police Chief and County Sheriff. The guns taken in over the last month will be either destroyed or returned to the proper owner if it's determined the gun was stolen and there is a record of the proper owner.

Arteaga one key to this program is getting those with the guns to trust him.

"They want to be assured there are going to be no questions asked and that's my word I tell them that I'm not connected to law enforcement but I am connected to making the community a safer place," said Arteaga.

He says he still needs some help arranging free Christmas trees as part of the incentive. If you'd like to help or contact Arteaga to exchange a gun call him at (719) 553-8339.