MINOT—While some may find their work to be mundane, it’s where one Minot woman found her inspiration.
While working at a consignment store, Melissa Maasjo was inspired to start a clothing and household item outreach program, and for the time being, she is running it in her barn. She calls it the Matthew 25 Project, derived from Matthew chapter 25 in the Bible, and specifically verse 35, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed me.”
“By helping fill this material need, it will free up their time and energy, so they can focus on family, employment, mental health, addiction, things like that.” Melissa Maasjo, Matthew 25 Project
The charity seeks to match the correct donations with those who need them. “By helping fill this material need, it will free up their time and energy, so they can focus on family, employment, mental health, addiction, things like that,” said Maasjo.
With help from volunteers in the community, Maasjo spends about 10-15 hours every week on her project.
Some donations find their own way right to her barn door, but Maasjo also picks up donations within the community. She then sorts through each item and piece of clothing. The clothing is separated by size, age, and gender. “I pick up donations, I sort donations, I box them, and then we deliver them,” said Maasjo. She has discovered that children’s clothing, plus size clothing, and towels seem to be the biggest need.
Maasjo says she realized she could also use the extra items from the consignment store as a way to provide for her charity, “They were taking all of their discarded items to the thrift store, and I thought we could find better places for them."
According to her flyer, Maasjo says she prays for everyone that she sorts items for. “We seek to reach our community for Jesus Christ, one heart at a time,” she wrote.
Anyone in need or looking to help can find her project on Facebook, as well as contact her at 701-922-2622 or M25minot@gmail.com.
