You never know when you will need help, and no one knows this better than Jana Ragsdale.   

“I’ve been the Charitable Campaign coordinator for Georgia Tech’s Army ROTC department since 1996,” said Ragsdale, an administrative professional. “In 2004, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and suddenly found myself reaching out to the charities I’d supported, because I needed support.”

Ragsdale beat the cancer, and as this year’s Charitable Campaign kicks off on Oct. 15, she will once again assume her role as campaign ambassador for her department.

“I’m just so grateful that those charities were there for me,” Ragsdale added. “This is a great opportunity for me to give back in some way.”

The 2012-2013 campaign, themed “Give from the Heart,” will run through Nov. 30. The campaign goal is $325,000. Faculty and staff can choose to contribute to more than 1,200 organizations ranging from the local YMCA to Habitat for Humanity International.

“I think it’s important to help take care of those in our community who need assistance — it’s an important part of community to act like we’re in this together,” said Ron Bohlander, a principal research scientist in the Information and Communications Laboratory of the Georgia Tech Research Institute. “I give to organizations including United Way and my church, and I am personally involved with or connected to most of the organizations I give to.”

Faculty and staff are encouraged to make donations through TechWorks where they can elect to set up a payroll deduction or make a one-time credit or debit card payment.

There will also be a pay-by-check/cash option. Checks should be provided to unit ambassadors or to Hope Wilson, campaign chair. Although the other methods are preferred, cash donations will be accepted at Tech’s Bursar’s Office.

For more information about the campaign, click here.