Forge Foundation feast provides outlet, community gathering in New Kent

Volunteers dish out food to people in the serving line as part of the Forge Foundation's annual feast held Thursday afternoon at the Providence Forge Recreation Center in New Kent.

Andre' Jones photos

Holiday seasons are often times where family and friends gather together to celebrate and rekindle relationships. For others, it is a time where support and love are needed, whether they are missing a loved one or just need an uplifting moment to take their minds off stresses caused by the outside world. For one organization every Thanksgiving, they have brought a sense of peace for several New Kent citizens, even for a day.

The Forge Foundation opened the doors of the Providence Forge Recreation Center on Nov. 23 for its annual rendition of its Thanksgiving Feast.

Now in its fourteenth year, the organization holds the event that offers dinners for 99 cents. Spanning over three hours, hundreds of meals are served to several New Kent citizens.

Even before the doors opened Thursday afternoon, a line stretched outside and curved around the parking lot, with several vehicles already occupying spots. When guests were able to enter, they were greeted with friendly faces and kind smiles. As part of the Forge Foundation’s efforts to support nonprofit organizations, they also accepted bags of pet food as payment to donate to New Kent’s Humane Society.

Entering the main foyer, guests were greeted by the smell of a dessert table. Running adjacent to the kitchen were several tables full of food. More importantly, there were several volunteers assisting at the event. From newly elected New Kent Board of Supervisor Jordan Stewart to Charles City High School’s JROTC cadets, it was the Forge Foundation members who continue to put in endless work.

But before any plate of food can be served or any drink can be distributed, there has to be preparation and donations to obtain to make it all happen. That’s when New Kent’s District 4 Supervisor and Forge Foundation President Ron Stiers steps in.

Stiers has navigated and orchestrated the event that has literally seen thousands of people walk through the door. And the reason why he continues to do it?

“I love New Kent and I love this community,” Stiers said. “What most people don’t understand is that there are still several people in our county in need.”

Stiers’ said that the Forge Foundation acquired 50 turkeys and 12 hams for the feast this year. All of that food, along with 50 donated pumpkin pies, was cooked the day before the event.

“It takes a lot of work and a lot of help with volunteers,” Stiers commented when asked about what makes the operation run smoothly. “There are still things we are learning and hiccups along the way, but our goal is to make sure that we have the capability to provide a Thanksgiving meal to the citizens of New Kent.”

While the meal only costs 99 cents, several additional monetary donations are made to the organization. The Forge Foundation takes those funds and uses them for several purposes, including providing groceries for families in need, lunch assistance at local schools, disaster aid, and financial assistance.

Still, the comradery of the event could be seen at the event. Several attendees sat together at tables and engaged in conversations. Servers and volunteers spoke with those receiving plates, as the thankfulness was reciprocated throughout the afternoon.

“So many people appreciate this event,” Stiers said as he wrapped up the on-site interview. “People often look for some sort of monetary reward, but the biggest reward for me and this organization is to see the smiles on the faces of these people as they enjoy a good meal and good company.”

And while the event may only last three hours once a year, the involvement within the New Kent community has lasted for 14 years, and the impact will last a lifetime for those who sat down at the table on a Thanksgiving afternoon.

Forge Foundation volunteer Amy Jo Martin (right) tops off a pie with whip cream for a guest with a touch of flair.