The group organizing the event fell short in its fundraising efforts and cannot afford to buy guns for $50.

"We didn't fall short of the point though. We want to rid the city of illegal guns," said event organizer Alvertis Simmons.

"We have a problem. There's a problem in our community because too many of our young men, and some of our young women, are dying by guns," said Rev. Patrick Demmer.

Rev. George Roberts has presided over 800 funerals.

"It's hard because these are young people who have never left Denver. Never left home. Never had the chance to live a full life. An abundant life," said Roberts.

The gun 'give-back' is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 27 from noon to 3 p.m. at New Covenant Christian Church at 825 Ivanhoe St., Denver.

Guns collected will be delivered to the Denver Police Department where they will be melted down.

"Don't let that gun fall into the wrong hands," said Demmer.

"It worked in Los Angeles. It worked in Cleveland. Why can't it work in Denver?" said Simmons.