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

WalkAmerica walking events are held nationwide to raise moneyfor innovative research programs that combat premature birth, whichis 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 indroves, and the March of Dimes responded by putting on a greatevent."

An estimated 8,000 walkers participated in this year'sWalkAmerica held in Griffith Park. Participants enjoyed numerousactivities along the five-mile walking route, including checkpointsthat featured giveaways and refreshments. Many of these checkpointswere sponsored by local businesses like LAFCU, which relied onemployees to donate their time to operate these checkpoints.

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