Terremoto Emilia 2012 – Emilia (Italy) Earthquake May 2012 from Roberto Mettifogo on Vimeo.

The above video is a quick representation of the devastating effects of the recent slew of earthquakes in Italy’s region of Emilia-Romagna. Occurring in May and well into June—the most recent of which I felt a few days ago in Rimini, an earthquake centered in Ravenna—the earthquakes destroyed many historic buildings and left important businesses in shambles. Over 15,000 people were left homeless and many lost their lives. In short, much of Italy’s perhaps most productive region was left shattered.

Emilia-Romagna produces much of the world’s most revered food products (prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Sangiovese, aceto balsamico di Modena, etc.) and maintains timeless art, while housing a population of some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. The beautiful medieval towns are irreplaceable, and they provide as tourist attractions for a country that really needs it.

But how can you help if you live in the United States?

The fine folks at L’Italo Americano Newspaper are currently running a campaign to raise funds for the victims of the Emilia-Romagna earthquakes. While any donation amount is accepted, anyone contributing over $50 and fans them on Facebook gets a free annual subscription to the publication.