London, June 11 (IANS) Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have donated $500,000 to the relief effort in the tornado-struck city of Joplin, Missouri.

Pitt, who grew up in nearby Springfield, revealed his shock at the devastation caused by last month's massive twister, which ripped through the city and claimed the lives of more than 120 people.

"With the devastating loss of thirty per cent 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," Contactmusic.com quoted Pitt as saying in a statement.

They have reportedly handed over the cheque to Community Foundation of the Ozarks, an organisation which supports long-term rebuilding efforts in the city.

"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.

"Our hearts go out to the families in Joplin who have lost so much," said Jolie.