LOS ANGELES -- Volunteers from Los Angeles Federal Credit Union put on their walking shoes and took steps to help save babies by participating in the local WalkAmerica Event recently. And those steps provided a donation of more than $7,400 for the March of Dimes.

WalkAmerica walking events are held nationwide to raise money for innovative research programs that combat premature birth, which is the leading cause of newborn deaths in the United States.

"This year's WalkAmerica Event was tremendously successful," said Steve McDiffet, LAFCU president/CEO. "The public responded in droves, and the March of Dimes responded by putting on a great event."

An estimated 8,000 walkers participated in this year's WalkAmerica held in Griffith Park. Participants enjoyed numerous activities along the five-mile walking route, including checkpoints that featured giveaways and refreshments. Many of these checkpoints were sponsored by local businesses like LAFCU, which relied on employees to donate their time to operate these checkpoints.

The $625 million CU has participated in WalkAmerica for over 12 years by sponsoring a checkpoint and conducting fundraisers at all of its branches.