TOLEDO, Ohio — June 7 is recognized as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
A local leader with Mom's Demand Action said it's time for the community to come together to end gun violence in Toledo.
There have been 17 homicides this year in the city of Toledo.
15 of those deaths were gun related, resulting in 6 kids having been shot and killed.
"Because we want to be safe, we want our children to feel safe, and not be exposed to gun violence. I mean it's now the number one cause of childhood death," said Donna Malone, leader with Toledo's Mom's Demand Action.
Mom's Demand Action's second annual Wear Orange Community Gathering event was created to help put an end to youth gun violence.
At the Wear Orange event, the community is encouraged to come and learn about new ways to make a difference.
"They can be part of the solution to a drastic problem. It's not that they have to donate any money, which would be great, but they don't have to. This is all about awareness and support for the survivors," said Malone.
Starting at noon, gun violence victims will be remembered and gun violence survivors will speak on their own experiences. City and state leaders will also be in attendance to present a proclamation that marks June 7 as the official Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Peace and Healing Commons Executive Director Tom Douglas said this is exactly why they lease the space. He said the city park is a communal area, who's current design was created by city leaders, residents, and even local gang members.
He also said people of all backgrounds sat down and shared ideas to create the space of peace and healing and he hopes that inspires change beyond the park.
"This was the first-time representatives of various gangs were in the same room together. This was back in March of 2021. From that, the plans for it have been developed. So now, we're into the fundraising aspects. We plan to invest two million dollars into this project here. repurposing this city park," said Douglas.
Mom's Demand Action said 43,000 Americans are killed by guns and approximately 76,000 more people are shot and wounded each year in the U.S.
This event serves as the kickoff to Wear Orange Weekend, which falls between June 7-9.
Wear Orange is a national movement that began in 2013 after 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed on a Chicago playground. Every year in June, thousands of people across the county wear the color to honor Hadiya and other gun violence victims.
Leaders with Mom's Demand Action said the Wear Orange gathering is just one way to get involved and they have made many partnerships in hopes of getting the right resources and information out to the community.
"The local organizations we have been working with are peace and healing commission, and through them we are just starting to work with Lutheran Social Services, Sisters 4 Unity, and the Multifaith Coalition to reduce gun violence. We have also worked with the Mayor's Office on Neighborhood Safety and Engagement," expressed Malone.
Donna Malone said the legislators are listening, so their work has just begun. Mom's Demand Action encourages everyone to get involved on both a local and state level.
The second annual Wear Orange Community Gathering kicks off at noon on Friday, June 7 at the Toledo Spain Plaza Home of the Peace and Healing Commons, located at 1840 Collingwood Blvd. in Toledo.
WATCH more on WTOL: