Christmas in July

Susanna Mantis, owner of Z's All Things Good, hangs wish ornaments on a Christmas tree for her customers to choose from. In difficult times some people look out for themselves.

However, Susanna Mantis, owner of "Z's All Things Good" in Stanwood, has taken on the harsh economic climate as her call to arms to help provide for those hit hardest by the recession.

"I felt like I had a responsibility," said Mantis. "I felt like now is the time to help people in need."

Mantis, who has held successful food, coat and shoe drives in the past, is now assembling a Christmas in July event.

Partnering with the Stanwood-Camano Food Bank, Mantis distributed flyers to food recipients asking what items or assistance people needed the most. The idea is that Mantis will match the requests with people who anonymously fill them.

Then, just as the idea began to develop, unexpectedly Mantis' brother died and she took a break from it.

Although she grieves his loss, Mantis said she also knew there were people in her community who needed Christmas to come early.

"I knew I had to get my butt in gear and help these folks," she said.

Energized with a renewed sense of purpose, Mantis pressed on putting more than 300 notes into people's food bags.

The requests poured in.

So far, Mantis has received more than 90 responses from people with needs.

"There is nothing extravagant," she said. "We're talking about toilet paper and cat food type items."

Mantis has received hand-delivered letters asking for help with heating bills, seeking basic food items and a variety of other items.

For each request, Mantis places a request ornament on a Christmas tree.

She hopes people will come by and pick up a request, fill the request and return it gift wrapped within a week.

Mantis also accepts donations that will be used to help pay utility bills.

People are encouraged to stop by her store, at 9504 271st St. NW in Stanwood, Tuesday through Friday between 2 - 5 p.m. and pick up a request ornament, said Mantis.

Mantis's goal is to distribute the gifts by August 7.

"This community is full of giving people," she said. "I know they are willing to help their neighbors out."

For more information, visit www.zsremedies.com or contact Susanna Mantis at 629-5040.

Reporter Rick Wood: 629-8066 ext. 104 or rwood@scnews.com.