Dominic Maccario, 82, is the friendly voice at River to Coast Children's Services, the Guerneville clearinghouse that matches families with the child care and recreation programs they need.
His is often the first face clients see. For the past five years, he's helped provide crucial assistance to more than 300 low-income families in west county and along the Sonoma and Mendocino coast.
For Maccario, helping families with young children has become a full-time passion.
"I'm needed! That makes me feel good," he said. "And really, anything I can do to help people, as long as I'm able, that's what I'll do."
Like a lot of volunteers, he retired from work only to realize that he had few meaningful, time-filling hobbies.
"I love to cook, but I couldn't find a way to volunteer cooking," he said.
After investigating volunteer opportunities through the Sonoma County Volunteer Center, he walked in to investigate and quickly settled in to answer phones. He works Monday through Friday as the morning receptionist.
Some days are "wonderfully busy." Other days, he's glad he brought a book.
When families need information on finding day care, sick-child care, or referrals to other family services including free and low-cost health care, dental care, mental health counseling and child abuse prevention, Maccario knows how to direct them.
"We provide so many resources. We have food to give. We have diapers to distribute," said Maccario.
He also serves on the board at River to Coast Children's Services and is the chairman of the annual fund-raising committee.
A former professional singer, he is a born entertainer and the perfect leader for the annual gala. This year, "An Enchanted Wine Country Evening" will be held Aug. 1 at Korbel Winery.
The event will include silent and live auctions, dinner in the Korbel Gardens and dancing under the stars. With seating limited to 120, ticket-buyers know that they are a driving force for their community's youngest citizens.
"The tickets are pricy, but it's becoming a 'must do' event on the river, and we expect another sellout this year," said Debra McGauley of Korbel Winery, which has hosted the gala for the past four years.
"As a previous working mom, I know all too well how valuable good child care is," said McGauley. "River to Coast is a wonderful resource to so many families."
Demand for services has increased as the economy has worsened. Currently about 1,000 children receive services from the non-profit agency.
"We have about 40 certified child care providers. We provide training for them and encourage them to exchange information," said Donna Roper, executive director.
Additional services include swim lessons in the summer, art classes, KinderGym, a car seat program and a lending library of books and tapes on family-related issues.
River to Coast Children's Services also provides support groups, workshops and handout information on parenting, nutrition, CPR, first aid and health.
"Some of our clients are homeless. We help them get any services they need," said Maccario.
On days when he sees clients who are in bad shape or struggling, he focuses on helping them conquer their struggles.
"This job has taught me to never look down my nose at anybody," he said. "I often catch myself thinking, 'This could really happen to anyone, nowadays.' "
Tickets for the River to Coast Children's Services gala on Aug. 1 are $100 per person, or table of 10 for $900. Visit www.rccservices.org, or call 869-3613.
You can reach Staff Writer Rayne Wolfe at 521-5240 or rayne.wolfe@pressdemocrat.com.
