Louisiana native Meghan Linsey—formerly of country duo Steel Magnolias and runner-up on Season 8 of NBC’s The Voice—is helping those affected by the massive flooding in her home state by creating a GoFundMe page in an effort to raise money for the victims. GoFundMe is a crowdfunding platform that helps people raise money for wide-ranging events.

Southeastern Louisiana received record amounts of rain over the weekend (Aug. 12–14), creating historic flooding throughout the state. Many families were forced to evacuate their homes as President Obama declared a federal emergency in the state. According to the New York Times, Louisiana officials said Tuesday (Aug. 16) that at least 11 people had died and more than 30,000 people had been rescued.

This disaster hit close to home for Meghan as her family and friends have been affected. The country girl with a big heart joined forces with her mom and friends—including The Voice‘s Season 8 winner Sawyer Fredericks (pictured above)—to create their own way to help out.

Meghan added the following note to her GoFundMe page asking for help:

Hi guys!
My name is Meghan Linsey. Some of you may know me as Season 8, runner-up of The Voice.

As a Louisiana native and a hometown Ponchatoula girl, it is with a heavy heart that I am starting this GoFundMe page. As you have probably seen on the news, southeast Louisiana was ravaged by, what they are calling the 500 year flood, over the weekend. Most families lost their entire homes, cars, EVERYTHING!

I have personal friends who are without basic needs. It’s completely unbelievable and beyond sad.

I have banned together with my friend and fellow Season 8 of The Voice, winner, Sawyer Fredericks, his mom Kirsten, my mom Roberta and my dear friend Brittany Morris, who is living in Ponchatoula, to raise as much money as possible and to make sure that it goes directly to victims and their families and back into the local community where I am
from.

Most families don’t have access to kitchens and all of them will be cleaning out and rebuilding their homes. Therefore, our idea is to use the money to buy gift cards to local restaurants and local hardware stores and distribute them to families. We will also use it to hire local carpenters. That way we are keeping the money in the local community, helping to rebuild the local economy, and helping the flood victims, all at the same time.

I was feeling helpless being in Nashville but I truly believe, that if we all band together, we can make a difference.

If you are able to donate, even a little bit, it all counts and adds up.

Thank you all so much!
God bless Louisiana.

Xoxo
Meg

Nashville and the country music community suffered a similar fate back in May 2010 as torrential rains caused massive flooding that resulted in widespread damage and casualties. The city was able to rebuild and thrive since then with the help of the community and people like Meghan who stepped up to help out. Our hearts go out to all those suffering in Louisiana.

For more information and the help those in need, check out Meghan’s GoFundMe page.