To aid relief efforts after the shattering earthquake that rocked Italy's Abruzzo region on Monday, Milwaukee's Festa Italiana and the Italian Community Center (ICC) launched a relief fund to help collect local donations.

"We're doing what we can to help," William Jennaro, representative for the Italian Community Center says.

The April 6 quake claimed the lives of over 200 residents and left nearly 50,000 homeless. Through National City Bank, individuals looking to donate can drop off a check at any bank location or mail a donation to the ICC.

"The circumstances in that region of Italy are devastating. There are tent cities set up all around the L'Aquila (area). We are making a call for action from anybody and everybody. This is not just an Italian thing, it's a humanitarian effort," Jennaro says.

Festa Italiana and the ICC are working with the Italian Consulate in Chicago to administer funding abroad.

"We're working with the Italian Consul to ensure funds are properly administered and get the greatest help to areas of the most need," Jennaro says.

Tax-deductible donations can be sent to the Italian Community Center. Inc., Earthquake Relief Fund, c/o National City Bank, 411 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202 or taken to any Milwaukee area National City Bank location.