LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – Southland Credit Union members andstaffers have opened their wallets and hearts to help HurricaneKatrina victims. A total of $16,886.90 has been donated to theAmerican Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina relief. Southland'sfundraising efforts included placing official American Red Crosscollection cans in the branches, holding an employee silentauction, the sale of casual dress days, and ice cream and lunchsocials. The employee silent auction was held at Southlands annualTraining Day Event and over $6,000 was collected by auctioning offsuch items as paid days off, priority parking, and other itemsincluding a hand made quilt that generated $760 alone. The silentauction was the brainchild of Southland Electronic Service ManagerVivica LaTeer. “I wanted to do more than just write a check; it'seasy to write a check. I wanted to do something to get involved andget others involved as well. The success of the auction was beyondmy wildest dreams. What most impressed me was that our employeesbrought in more than material items – they donated their talents.We auctioned off home cooked meals, hand made items and even amassage from a certified massage therapist on staff,” said LaTeerwho also managed the auction.