Non-profit journalism

Non-profit organizations are important to society and journalists have an obligation to report on them. Unfortunately, this beat is often neglected so the public must research these organizations themselves or go uninformed. Many members of the public donate time or money to a variety of non-profits ranging from animal abuse organizations to churches or synagogues. It is important for the public to know how and where their money is being spent. It is up to the reporter to disclose this information. Luckily, we have organizations such as Guidestar to make this easier.
The Huntington Area Food Bank is an affiliate of the United Way of the River Cities and has been since 1984. According to 2009 tax returns, HAFB had a revenue of $4,499,577 and expenses of $4,397,399. The organization has assets totaling $637,665 in 2008. In 2009, the assets totaled $739,848, an increase of 13 percent. The director, Jon H. Rickey, is the only paid staff at HAFB. His salary in 2009 was $33,389.
HAFB is located at 1327 Seventh Ave., Huntington. The phone number is 304-523-6029 and the website is www.hafb.org.
HAFB makes available on the website its IRS 990 Form.

EDIT: Rickey was the director of HAFB in 2009. The current director is Leigh Anne Zappin. She is not mentioned on the 2009 tax return.