LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – Southland Credit Union members and staffers have opened their wallets and hearts to help Hurricane Katrina victims. A total of $16,886.90 has been donated to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina relief. Southland's fundraising efforts included placing official American Red Cross collection cans in the branches, holding an employee silent auction, the sale of casual dress days, and ice cream and lunch socials. The employee silent auction was held at Southlands annual Training Day Event and over $6,000 was collected by auctioning off such items as paid days off, priority parking, and other items including a hand made quilt that generated $760 alone. The silent auction was the brainchild of Southland Electronic Service Manager Vivica LaTeer. “I wanted to do more than just write a check; it's easy to write a check. I wanted to do something to get involved and get others involved as well. The success of the auction was beyond my wildest dreams. What most impressed me was that our employees brought in more than material items – they donated their talents. We auctioned off home cooked meals, hand made items and even a massage from a certified massage therapist on staff,” said LaTeer who also managed the auction.