A Manatee County man was honored for saving thousands of lives.

Roy Richards started donating blood in 1947.

Sixty-six years later, the 85-year-old marked a milestone and was inducted into the Donation Hall of Fame.

The dedicated donor has donated 145 gallons of blood and platelets.

"It's helping people and that's what's important," said Richards.

Blood and platelet donations save lives. In fact, just one donation can help save three lives.

Ned Fishman used to be a donor. Now a leukemia patient, Fishman is a recipient who knows the importance of donors.

"I'd given up five gallons, now I was taking back," said Fishman.

"It's me, I'm the person who gets the blood, I'm the person whose life was saved by the donations and there are millions of me's in the country."

Meeting a recipient motivates Richards to keep giving, he’s not stopping at 145 gallons.

"God willing, I'll continue to do so, I'd like to see 150 gallons," said Richards.