Ben and Luanne Russell are the proud owners of Maine’s Hendrick’s Head Lighthouse. But before they bought their own lighthouse, they built one. It’s a replica of Massachusetts’ Plymouth (Gurnet) Light, and it’s located at Children’s Harbor, Alabama.

The Russells began dreaming of building a place for children and families on Alabama’s Lake Martin in 1987. The dream became reality in 1990 with the opening of Children’s Harbor, a nonprofit organization with a simple mission, “strengthening children and families.” The program is dedicated to the memory of Ben’s mother, Adelia M. Russell.

The lighthouse, built in 1989 on Providence Point at Children’s Harbor, symbolizes the organization’s goal of “helping children and families find their way through the treacherous waters in which they sometimes find themselves.” Children’s Harbor serves children with long-term serious illnesses and their families, as well as other children and families with special needs.

Contributions can be made in honor of special people or occasions. All honors and memorials are listed in the Children’s Harbor newsletter, The Beacon, which is published three times a year.

For more information write to them at: Children’s Harbor, 1 Our Children’s Highway, Children’s Harbor, AL 35010. Call them at 334-857-2133 or visit them on the web at: www.childrensharbor.com.