BREWER – As a chief engineer for SeaRiver Maritime Inc., an affiliate of ExxonMobil, Bill Russell spends much of his time at sea, working on an old tanker that travels from San Francisco to Alaska.

But when he’s home, he can often be found helping out the Brewer Head Start Center doing everything from repairing a playhouse to cleaning carpets to delivering meals to the children. His volunteer work has earned him gratitude from Head Start staff, and has recently netted the center two cash contributions.

The ExxonMobil Foundation has awarded two grants to the Brewer Head Start Center of $500 each in recognition of Russell’s efforts. The grants were awarded through the foundation’s Volunteer Involvement Program.

Russell volunteered more than 40 hours at the Brewer Head Start Center over the past year. The grants will be used to replace some of the old learning toys and to purchase new ones.

Russell became involved with the center at the suggestion of his wife, Mary, who is the assistant center coordinator.

Jean Bridges, director of Child Development for Penquis CAP, praised Russell and ExxonMobil for their support.