In 2002, Ed began his six year tenure on the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, for which he served as Secretary for two years. He most recently began volunteering at the Food Pantry of Catholic Charities in the summer of 2011, giving six hours a week to provide emergency food assistance.

Colleen joined the Advisory Council for the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence Shelter, Harbor House, in 2009. As part of this council, Colleen is committed to volunteering her time monthly and helping to organize such benefits as “Bags to Riches,” “Stuff the Bus” and “Cruise Night” all of whose proceeds go to benefit both the Harbor House and the St. Anthony Family Homeless Shelter of Catholic Charities.

Since 2004, Ed and Colleen have volunteered at the Lord’s Diner, a local congregate meal provider of the Wichita Diocese, whose mission is to respond to Christ’s call to feed the hungry. The couple is also actively involved in their parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, where Colleen serves on the School Council and as Chair of the Mother’s Ministry.

When asked why they feel called to give, Colleen responded: “Everything we have and can give is from God, it is our responsibility to give it back; it is what we are called to do.”

Their extraordinary involvement and generous giving in the Diocese of Wichita sets the Mikesells apart from the rest. They truly embody what it is to share in the mission of Jesus given to the church. By their example and leadership, they call all those around them to rise to the occasion, to treat all of God’s children with respect and dignity, and to act now to alleviate poverty.