SPARTA, N.C. -- More than a week after an earthquake shook Sparta, many families are still picking up the pieces.

At a press conference Tuesday, the town mayor said the area had eight foreshocks and 20 aftershocks. They have also received 525 reports of damage, including 60 with major damage.

Some homes were so damaged that families could not stay anymore. Foundations to homes were cracked, chimneys torn off, and some even had pillars that hold up the homes move.

Mayor Wes Brinegar says they need help.

"This is real. This is real America. We may be small but we have a big heart. My plea goes out, help us if you can and keep us in your thoughts and prayers," Brinegar says.

Brinegar is also warning residents that some GoFundMe's have been set up, but were not done by the town or county like they say. He says they have also heard of people being scammed by fake construction crews.

He is advising those who need help to contact the town, and if you hire someone, to have work done prior to payment