Facebook users can help the United Methodist Children's Home win some big money.

The home, located just outside the Decatur City Limits on Columbia Drive, is competing against four other nonprofits to win a $25,000 gift card in Aprons in Action, Home Depot's Facebook voting program.

Voting began Feb. 1 and runs through noon on Feb. 23. The votes are cast online, at this Facebook page.

The Children's Home said Monday they're currently about 50 votes behind first place. If they win, they'll use the money to  build a playground for the youngest children on campus. 

The children's home has been around since 1871 and offers safe haven to abused and foster children.

A press release gives details about the competition.

 The organization with the most votes will win the $25,000 prize and be in the running for the grand prize of $250,000 at the end of the year-long program.  The runner-up organizations will receive $5,000 in The Home Depot gift cards.

During the Aprons in Action contest, which began in April 2011, 11 monthly winners are being selected.  This March, Facebook fans will have the chance to help one of those 11 winners win the $250,000 grand prize.  The organization that receives the second and third most votes will receive $150,000 and $100,000 from The Home Depot, respectively.

In the February round of the competition, the United Methodist Children’s Home is competing against three other nonprofit organizations from across the country, including Hands on Greater Phoenix; Veterans Guest House in Reno, Nev., and Volunteers of America Michigan in Southfield, Mich.

“Being selected for the Aprons in Action program is an honor, and we are so thankful for the recognition,” said Bev Cochran, administrator of the United Methodist Children’s Home. “If we actually win the $25,000 The Home Depot gift card, we will be able to build a safe, fun and age-appropriate playground for our youngest children.  So we encourage everyone to go to Facebook and vote for us!”