Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie donated $500,000 to Joplin, Missouri earlier today. The couple donated to the Community Foundation of Ozarks to help to rebuild the area that was devastated by tornadoes last month. Brad, who grew up in a town near Joplin, and Angelina issued statements saying they will continue to help rebuild the area and help the families affected. Read what the couple had to say after the jump.

@Julie1205

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are lending a helping hand to Joplin, Mo., residents recently affected by the devastating tornadoes.

On Friday (June 10), the couple donated $500,000 to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to help support mid- and long-term rebuilding efforts in the area.

“With the devastating loss of thirty percent of the city, the Joplin community faces great challenges ahead. Having spent much of my childhood there, I know these people to be hardworking, humble and especially resilient,” Brad, who grew up in nearby Springfield, said.

“The locally based Community Foundation of the Ozarks will be working shoulder to shoulder with these Joplin residents for the long haul as they rebuild their lives. We, too, hope to further help with these rebuilding efforts,” he added, while Angelina said, “Our hearts go out to the families in Joplin who have lost so much.”

JJ