Madonna donates 'substantial sum' to earthquake victims

Madonna has reportedly made a “substantial donation” to victims of Monday’s earthquake in Italy.

The Material Girl, who is of Italian heritage, apparently donated around half a million dollars to the appeal, as her grandparents lived in the hamlet of Pacentro until 1919.

Pacentro’s mayor appealed to Madonna personally for help after more than 200 people died in the devastating quake in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

"I am happy to lend a helping hand to the town that my ancestors are from," she told People.com. "My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones or their homes."

The singer was last week denied permission to adopt a four-year-old girl from Malawi.

--By our New York staff.
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