A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the Abruzzo region of Italy on Monday. So far, more than 100 people died either in the earthquake, or in the aftermath. Thousands were injured, and tens of thousands have been left homeless.

The mayor of a small town in the Abruzzo region, a hamlet called Pacentro, reached out the “famous granddaughter” of two former Pacentro residents. That granddaughter was Madonna, and she opened her heart and her wallet to support those affected by the earthquake. Her publicist confirms that Madonna donated, but she’s not saying how much. A “source” tells People Magazine that the donation was $500,000.

When a devastating earthquake struck the Abruzzo region of Italy on Monday, the mayor of the hamlet of Pacentro made an appeal for help to the granddaughter of two former townspeople. The following morning, that granddaughter responded in a big way.

Madonna, whose paternal grandparents lived in Pacentro until 1919, made a “substantial donation” for the relief effort following the 6.3 magnitude quake that left more than 200 dead, says her publicist Liz Rosenberg. The rep wouldn’t give the amount, but a source says it’s about $500,000.

“I am happy to lend a helping hand to the town that my ancestors are from,” Madonna tells PEOPLE. “My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones or their homes.”

From People Magazine

Instead of snarking, I’ll just acknowledge that Madonna did a nice thing. She’s got me so brainwashed with her faux English accent, I sometimes forget Madonna’s just an Italian-American girl from Detroit. It’s nice that Madonna would show some respect for her Italian heritage and donate to those in need. Good work, Madge.

Thanks to BIG PICTURES/bauergriffinonline.com for these photos of Madonna and the unknown guy she probably hooked up with last night. He is said to have gone home with her after dinner.