The troubled actress - who is facing trial for allegedly stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Californian boutique - has joined forces with celebrity booker Claus Hjelmbak and Danish artist Poul Pava to raise awareness of the after-effects of the earthquake and tsunami which devastated parts of the Far East country earlier in March.

As the `Mean Girls` star prepares to find out whether she will go to jail, she has been signing posters and using her celebrity status to help those who have suffered in the natural disasters.

Claus said: "She is truly the most talked about celebrity and she has superstar power.

"I`m working with Poul to raise funds for Japan, and when Lindsay heard she jumped straight in to help. Poul has designed a special shirt and part of the proceeds will be donated to The American Red Cross For Japan.

He added: "He gave Lindsay one of his shirts and she will be wearing it to help raise awareness for the cause - with her help and the publicity it will bring, we should be able to raise so much more money."

The 24-year-old star`s close friend went on to praise her for thinking of those less than fortunate than her although she is trying to overcome her own personal issues.

He said: "She was so sweet, while packing for the airport to go to New York she took the time to sign posters to raise money for a Japan fund.

"She is so strong despite everything she has been through, she is holding up in a situation where most people would break."

Last week, the 24-year-old actress rejected a plea deal in her case in exchange for a reduced sentence and is to attend a preliminary hearing on April 22.
sections: Celebrities