One Dawson County church wants to remind residents that giving is an important part of the holiday season, even in tough economic times.

To drive the point home, Providence Bible Church plans a special Christmas event Dec. 19 to raise money for two organizations that help those stricken by poverty.

Church member Cathlyn Zwemke is organizing the fundraiser. She said fellow church members felt “it would be a great time to help people focus on giving, even though this is a hard recession for people ... people are still suffering in this country and others.”

Funds from a raffle and bake sale at the event will go to Compassion International and World Vision. The organizations help those in need get back on their feet.

Zwemke said the church is asking businesses to donate gifts or services to be raffled at the event, which will run from 4 - 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at the church at 2441 Dawson Forest Road.

The sale of baked goods at the gathering will also go toward the organizations.

Everything else at the holiday get-together is free. Activities include gingerbread house and glass ornament decorating, Christmas carols and a showing of “Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special” on a big screen television.

It’s the first time the church has held the event, Zwemke said. “We’ve had a great response from the community so far,” she said.

“It’s a way we can make a fun family memory even for young kids, while still reaching out to families across the world,” she said.

For more information on the organizations that will benefit, visit www.compassion.com or www.worldvision.com.

Those wishing to decorate gingerbread houses, should call (706) 265-4461 in advance.