By Geoff Welch
Every little bit helps. Hayward’s Deli & Market in Sloatsburg is known for its brisk lunchtime sandwich business and community generosity — especially Hayward’s support for the Sloatsburg UMC Food Pantry.

Dr. Chuck Stead and Lauren Hayward in front of Hayward’s Deli in Sloatsburg — Stead won First Prize in Hayward’s summer raffle to raise funds for the Sloatsburg Food Pantry. Local native wood furniture maker Mark Nimal donated the raffle prize.

Located in the basement of  Sloatsburg’s United Methodist Church Chapel, the Food Pantry is a quietly busy local institution that provides supplemental, nutritional food to people living within the Ramapo Central and Tuxedo Union Free School Districts.

Hayward’s recently joined with Sloatsburg native wood furniture maker Mark Nimal to raise money for the Food Pantry. Nimal donated a handcrafted table/bench as a First Prize in the weeks-long raffle. Dr. Chuck Stead, College Professor, Story Teller and Town of Ramapo Project Assistant won the raffle and Nimal’s wood work, which just may end up at the Ramapo Saltbox Environmental Research Center in Torne Valley.

Nimal, a retired Lake Manager for Palisades State Park, uses salvaged native wood — each creation is unique, guided by the qualities of the wood, Nimal said.

Many customers may have noticed Mark stting patiently outside Hayward’s weekends, displaying his first and second prize raffle pieces while taking raffle donations. Nimal and Hayward’s will continue with a raffle each month throughout the summer.

People can also donate inside Haywards in a jar by the cash register. Chuck is delighted and hopes others participate in supporting the Sloatsburg Food Pantry.