The Special Kids Foundation is looking for local support for its entry into the American Express Member's Project Contest.

The Foundation's project is a facility that will serve the needs of special needs children from all over East County. The facility, which is being developed in partnership by the Foundation, the Delta Family YMCA and SMF Construction, will be located next to the YMCA on O'Hara Avenue in Oakley, and is expected to cost $750,000.

According to its Web site, the American Express Member's Project is an online initiative that enables Cardmembers to submit, discuss and vote on projects to make a positive impact in the world that American Express will fund with $2.5 million.

Go to www.spkids.org and follow the link on the home page to the American Express site. From there, if you are an American Express cardholder, log in and nominate the Universal Abilities Playground/Facility Project. Non-cardholders may sign up as guests, log in, and nominate the Universal Abilities Playground/Project.

The deadline for the first round of nominations is Aug. 31. The top 25 nominated projects go on to round two and another few weeks of voting.

The final winners will receive money toward their project; the top prize $1.5 million. The East County community is invited to help the Special Kids Foundation bring that award money here to help our families with special-needs kids.