The American Red Cross honored the 50 years the Kirkland Blood Committee has collected blood and helped save lives. Honored at a ceremony at the Clinton United Methodist Church during a blood drive this month were Beverly Rudge, Jean Wainwright, Bill Rudge, Karen Ostinett and Elinor Sorensen. Started by Bill Rudge in 1969, the Kirkland committee has collected approximately 45,000 units of blood, which Red Cross officials said impacted 135,000 lives in the 50 years.