Va. Beach charity says gifts grew by 46 percent

VIRGINIA BEACH — Contributions to Operation Blessing International increased by 46 percent last year, with most of the donations non-cash contributions such as surplus food and goods for needy families and disaster victims.

The Virginia Beach charity founded by evangelical broadcaster Pat Robertson in 1978 reported 2008 revenue of $407 million, up from $279 million in 2007, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

According to Operation Blessing’s 2008 tax statement, 94 percent of its donations were non-cash, in-kind contributions.

Operation Blessing President Bill Horan said the surge in contributions was due in part to the charity’s expanded system for procuring and disbursing more donated goods and services.