Volunteers at Roy Maas Youth Alternatives wrapped gifts for children, offering stability and joy during a challenging holiday season in Boerne and San Antonio.
SAN ANTONIO — More than one hundred community volunteers gathered Friday at Roy Maas Youth Alternatives’ Meadowland Campus in Boerne to hand-wrap hundreds of Christmas gifts for children living in residential and emergency shelters after being removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect.
The annual event, known as “Wrapping with Roy,” took place Friday from morning through early afternoon, bringing together volunteers from across Boerne and San Antonio to prepare nearly seven hundred donated gifts for children who will spend the holidays in RMYA’s care. The gifts will be distributed to children living at RMYA’s shelters in both cities.
“Today we are on the Midland campus. And in this, a huge event is called wrapping with Roy. We have over 100 volunteers here wrapping all the gifts for the children who live with us in residential care,” said Julie Ely, Chief Development Officer at Roy Maas Youth Alternatives.
Organizers say demand to volunteer was so high that registration had to be closed once the event reached capacity. Volunteers worked side-by-side in the gym, wrapping gifts and organizing items based on individual wish lists created by the children.
“These are kids that have been removed from their home due to abuse and neglect,” Ely said. “And so we’re so grateful to have this large amount of people wrap around them. To give them the Merry Christmas possible.”
While the event carries a festive atmosphere, staff say the holiday season can be especially difficult for children living in care, as they are separated from their families during a time traditionally centered on home and togetherness.
“It’s a joyful, happy, exciting day. But it can also be a really hard day,” Ely said. “Our kids are not with their parents… so they open one gift per hour because they need to have something to look forward to all day long.”
Each child receives multiple gifts, along with a handmade quilt, allowing them to space out present-opening throughout Christmas Day. Organizers say the approach helps provide structure and emotional support during what can be a challenging day.
Longtime volunteers say the event is about more than presents — it’s about consistency and showing up for children who have experienced instability.
“So my husband and I have volunteered for Roy Mass Youth Alternative, specifically Meadow Land in Burnie, for about 12 years now,” said Amy Eggers, a volunteer. “Trying to make a consistent presence in the lives of the kids so that they recognize us when we come out and they feel like they’re starting to develop a relationship, a trust or a bond.”
Eggers says that connection can make a lasting impact.
“It’s huge for them to feel like they’re not forgotten,” she said. “That makes them feel important and not forgotten.”
Roy Maas Youth Alternatives has served children and families in crisis since 1976, providing residential care, emergency shelter services, counseling, and support programs aimed at helping children heal from trauma and build stability. The organization operates accredited on-campus schools and offers family counseling and community resources at low or no cost.
Staff say community involvement, whether through volunteering or donations, plays a critical role in sustaining that mission beyond the holiday season.
“Wrapping with Roy” is one of several annual efforts designed to support children living at RMYA during times of increased stress and vulnerability, especially around the holidays.
More information about Roy Maas Youth Alternatives and ways to support its programs can be found at www.rmya.org.