Pastor is organizing a buyback for toy guns

St Louis, MO -  

You've heard of gun buyback programs where people turn in their guns, and sometimes get cash or gift cards in return.

In St Louis, a pastor is organizing a buyback for toy guns.

Pastor Rodney Francis says it's time to stop the violence before it starts.

Francis says we need to start with children.

He's willing to broaden his buyback program to other weapons.

"We're not singling out guns," Francis said. "Knives. Swords. Slingshots. Or anything that's designed to hurt, maim, injure or kill."

There have been 19 murders so far this year in St. Louis.

While the police chief is raising funds for a real gun buyback, Pastor Francis hopes to have his toy buyback program this summer.