Ken Hayward described the delivery of a five pound Hershey’s chocolate bar to his store as a simple mistake. But it did give him a good idea.

When one of Hayward’s vendors was delivered the giant chocolate bar, the vendor figured that Hayward would know just what to do with the giant prize. So, he took it to Hayward’s Deli & Market, located in the central village on Rt. 17. “He gave me a big bar,” Hayward said. “I thought, well, I don’t want to give this to one family. Let me see if I can turn this into a $100.”

So far, Hayward has turned the candy bar into nearly $300.

Hayward decided to hold a raffle for the 5 pound slab of chocolate deliciousness, with proceeds going to Sloatsburg UMC Food Pantry. For $2 per ticket or $10 for a pick six (don’t tell M. Sanchez!), customers can enter to win the big yum, which is now on display at Hayward’s. The raffle will run through Sunday, December 16.

Hayward is hoping to raise more than $300 for the pantry, where, according to Food Pantry Director Susan Meyer, a $1 donation will purchase 8 meals. A vital Sloatsburg community outreach effort, the pantry provides support to people from the Ramapo Central and Tuxedo Union Free school districts. The pantry serves nearly 100 families a month.

Hayward’s Deli continues to be a source of community giving, quietly supporting activities and organizations in the village, most prominently the Food Pantry. If Sloatsburg had an active Chamber of Commerce, Hayward would certainly be in the running for the Sloatsburg Civic MVP Award. This past Thanksgiving, Hayward said the store, through its own resources and those of its customers, collected 19 turkeys plus $700 in cash for the Food Pantry. The deli also once again sponsored the Sloatsburg Elementary School cross country dinner by catering the event — its 9th year sponsoring the event.

A giant Hershey’s bar is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will it raise raffle money for the Food Pantry but make hundreds of big chip cookies. Or provide chocolatly relief for some office holiday party. So, here’s an opportunity to give a unique gift and support a worthy community cause.

“It’s the generosity of my customers,” said Hayward, regarding his continued civic support. “All I do is put a jar out there with a candy bar. It’s my customers.”