Fifty-four units were collected at the American Red Cross blood drive held on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Piankatank Ruritan Club building in Hudgins, according to Red Cross volunteer Nan Cross. A total of 59 people attended the drive, with six deferrals, one not able to give a sufficient quantity and four providing double-red donations. The drive included first-time donors Kristin Blake, Velvet Boyd, Doris Foster-Curseen and Warren Waddell, as well as Kayla Carter, Robert Gold, Barbara Palmer, David Petts and John Simpson, who made their first donation at a Mathews drive. Gallon pins were awarded to Daphne Anderson and Nancy Lewis (one gallon), Cela Knebl (two gallons), Richard Farinholt (seven gallons), Kathy Hudgins (14 gallons) and Alan Kinker (15 gallons). Angela and Kristin Blake of Cobbs Creek are shown above at the canteen after making their donations. For Angela, it was her 23rd donation, while the first-ever for daughter Kristin. “Thank you to our dedicated donors who patiently ...