Wendy Harper/MDN Melissa Maasjo of the Matthew 25 Project stops for a photo at the organization’s facility in Minot, which provides free clothing and household items for those in need.

Ten years ago, Melissa Maasjo never imagined she would be leading a nonprofit organization that now serves hundreds of families across north-central North Dakota.

“It wasn’t an idea I had. It was little steps and little seeds that God planted that eventually led to this,” Maasjo said. “I never had it on my radar to do something like this.”

Today, she directs the Matthew 25 Project in Minot, a nonprofit that provides clothing, household goods and hope to people in need. What started in her barn has grown into a community-supported effort that continues to expand its reach.

Maasjo and her husband have been married for 28 years and have three children, ages 27, 25 and 8. Two are married, and the couple has one granddaughter. The family lives on a farm just outside Minot, where her son and his wife, her aunt, and her parents also make their homes.

“I grew up here,” she said. “My family home is right in this area, just on the edge of Minot.” Before the Matthew 25 Project, Maasjo worked as a teacher and later managed her family’s business office. While fostering children, she found herself in need of an outlet, and an unexpected opportunity appeared.

One day, while dropping off clothes at Closet Connection, a local resale shop, Maasjo noticed a “Help Wanted” sign. She applied and began working occasional shifts.

There, she saw firsthand how unsold items were sent elsewhere. Knowing foster families and struggling parents who could use them, she asked the owner if she could take some of the leftovers to distribute herself. At first, she stored the donations in a heated barn on her family’s property and personally delivered them to families, shelters and individuals. When the pandemic shuttered many donation centers, she turned to social media “Pay It Forward” pages, connecting requests for help with the items she had on hand. “Eventually, people noticed what I was doing and started donating or wanting to help,” she said. “We did that for three years. We delivered to a thousand homes in that time. The scope of need was much bigger than I realized.”

Recognizing the scale of the work, Maasjo and supporters formalized the effort. The Matthew 25 Project became a nonprofit more than six years ago and, three years ago, moved into its own building in Minot. The space allowed the organization to expand services. Volunteers help sort donations, and a truck is used for deliveries. Families now come directly to the building for assistance.

“There really isn’t an average day here,” Maasjo said. “Some days we’re sorting donations. Some days we’re delivering. Some days people are coming in needing help. We try to meet needs with dignity. It’s not about giving people leftovers. It’s about helping them feel seen and valued.”

Over the years, the Matthew 25 Project has touched thousands of lives. Maasjo recalls moments that remind her why she continues. One involved a man who came in after a suicide attempt. He needed clothing, but he also needed compassion.

“We were able to help him, and later he came back to thank us,” she said. “That meant a lot.” Other stories include families who lost everything in fires, parents facing financial hardship and patients undergoing cancer treatments.

“Every story is different,” Maasjo said. “But the common thread is hope.”

Running a nonprofit has not been without challenges. Maasjo admits there were times she felt overwhelmed.

“There have been times when I thought, ‘I can’t do this anymore,'” she said. “But every single time, God has provided what we needed, whether it was help, encouragement or a reminder of why we do this.” She has also learned the importance of balance.

“When you’re helping people, there’s always more need. You want to fix everything, but you can’t,” she said. “That’s been the hardest lesson — understanding we can only do what we can do, and trusting God to take care of the rest.”

Faith has been the foundation of the Matthew 25 Project since the beginning.

“It’s not about me,” Maasjo said. “I couldn’t do this in my own strength. God has opened every door. He has provided the building, the truck, the volunteers and the donations. We just keep stepping forward in faith.”

The Matthew 25 Project continues to rely on volunteers and donors. Current needs include a working truck, consistent financial support and additional help with daily operations. Despite the challenges, Maasjo remains committed to the mission. ”

“We’ve been doing this for six and a half years, but only had this building for three,” she said. “Since moving here, we’ve been able to serve so many more people.”

Her message to the community is simple: “Look around you. There are needs everywhere, and you can make a difference,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes just one small act of kindness can change a person’s whole day.”