Meghan Linsey to Be 2015 Santa Train Special Guest

Meghan Linsey is going to do her part to help spread holiday cheer this year. The singer, who recently was the runner-up on The Voice, has been announced as the special guest for the 73rd annual Santa Train, which delivers gifts to families in Appalachia.

“I’m honored to be the celebrity guest on this year’s Santa Train,” Linsey says in a statement. “This is a wonderful opportunity to give back and be a part of something that has become a holiday tradition for many families, and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”

The train will begin its 110-mile trek on Nov. 21 and make stops in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. The train delivers winter clothing, food and toys to families in need; it is being sponsored by CSX, Dignity U Wear, Food City and the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce. Fans can keep track of the train's progress on social media by using the hashtag #santatrain15.

"We are so glad to have Meghan Linsey join us on this year's Santa Train," says Tori Kaplan, assistant vice president of corporate social responsibility for CSX. "We are thankful for the support we receive each year from our celebrity guests. It's humbling to see artists add to the holiday cheer the Santa Train brings to the region."

Last year's Santa Train special guest was Amy Grant.

Linsey, who is formerly one-half of the duo Steel Magnolia, released a solo EP, Believer, in July. The singer says that she may not have had the courage to release the solo project if not for the support that she received while on The Voice.

“I think the show definitely helped build my confidence and make it a little less scary to know that people voted me through every week and downloaded my songs and believed in me,” she tells The Boot. “I think that definitely was a confidence builder for me to realize that people do want to hear my music.

“I got second place. That’s a huge, huge thing,” Linsey adds. “So I’m really grateful for my fans and a new fan base that I have now.”

Download Believer on iTunes.