Marin County officials are hoping for a big turnout next Tuesday when its first ever gun buyback.

Five police stations expect long lines as people surrender guns for cash.

Ed Berberian, Marin County's District Attorney told KTVU he has been struck by the messages arriving at his office with donations to help with the buyback event.

Berberian showed KTVU some of those notes. One read in part "Thanks for this program. I hope and pray it makes a difference."

Another resident referred to the Sandy Hook School shooting, saying "As a mother and grandmother here in Marin, my heart is broken."

Berberian said donors are giving amounts large and small for the gun buyback fund.

"We get $25 checks, we get $1,000 checks," explained Berberian.

So far the buyback program has raised $10,000 in private donations to go with an additional $30,000 from foundations and county supervisors.

Last month, both Oakland and San Francisco held buyback events, asking no names and no questions of those who turned in the guns. Those events were extremely successful.

"If they want to turn in three guns, they'll get paid right on the spot," said Berberian.

Each gun is worth $100. Individuals will receive $200 if the gun is a semi-automatic or assault type. For more than three guns, owners get a voucher redeemable for cash later so Marin's buyback doesn't run out of money as others have in the past.

Larkspur resident Arlene Henry was enthusiastic about the buy back.

"This is something you can do for mankind, for crying out loud," said Henry.

But Mill Valley resident Don Gustavson was skeptical.

"I'm sure they'll get some guns off the street, but criminals aren't going to give up their guns," said Gustavson.

Berberian said he is expected he will get guns that have been forgotten and can become a hazard.

"I'm not naive enough to think I'm gonna get every young gangster to come in and turn in their gun," Berberian said.