Battle Creek Residents Wear Orange for Safe Storage Awareness

Battle Creek, MI ... Charitable Union is inviting individuals, businesses, faith communities, schools, and nonprofit organizations throughout Calhoun County to Wear Orange on Tuesday, June 30, in support of Michigan's Safe Storage Law and to raise awareness about the importance of securely storing firearms.

The community-wide awareness campaign encourages everyone to wear orange, take a team photo, and share it on social media using #WearOrange while tagging Charitable Union and community partners. The goal is to spark conversations about responsible firearm storage and help prevent accidental shootings, suicides, and unauthorized access to firearms, especially by children.

About Michigan's Safe Storage Law

Michigan's Safe Storage Law took effect on February 13, 2024, requiring firearms to be stored securely when minors are likely to be present. Since the law was enacted, Charitable Union has partnered with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office to improve access to firearm safety resources within the community.

Through this partnership, Charitable Union offers free gun locks in both its Free Store and Gift Shop and provides copies of the Michigan Safe Storage Law in English, Spanish, and Burmese. Since the program began, nearly 1,500 free gun locks have been distributed to local residents.

"Safe firearm storage is a simple step that can save lives," said Teresa Allen, CEO of Charitable Union. "By wearing orange together, we hope to increase awareness of Michigan's Safe Storage Law and encourage conversations that help keep children, families, and our community safe."

How to Participate

Organizations wishing to participate are encouraged to:

• Wear orange on Tuesday, June 30
• Take a group photo and post it on social media using #WearOrange
• Tag Charitable Union and community partners
• Notify Charitable Union of their participation

The Wear Orange campaign is a national movement to honor victims and survivors of gun violence while promoting practical safety measures that protect families and communities.

About Charitable Union

Charitable Union provides FREE clothing, personal care items, baby formula, steel-toed shoes, and household items to Calhoun County residents. Located at 85 Calhoun Street, Battle Creek MI 49017. The Free Store is open Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 269-964-7234 or visit their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Michigan's Safe Storage Law?
A: Michigan's Safe Storage Law took effect on February 13, 2024, and requires firearms to be stored securely when minors are likely to be present. The law aims to prevent accidental shootings, suicides, and unauthorized access to firearms by children.

Q: Where can I get a free gun lock in Battle Creek?
A: Charitable Union, located at 85 Calhoun Street in Battle Creek, offers free gun locks through their partnership with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. They have distributed nearly 1,500 free gun locks since the program began.

Q: How can my organization participate in the Wear Orange campaign?
A: To participate, wear orange on Tuesday, June 30, take a group photo, post it on social media using #WearOrange, tag Charitable Union and community partners, and notify Charitable Union of your participation.