Social Gamers of Zynga's FarmVille Can Donate to Japan's Tsunami Victims

Within a day after the devastating tsunami hit Japan, the folks at Zynga placed a donation vehicle inside the online game. They provided a way for FarmVille players to donate money to help the children of Japan by offering a non-withering crop for virtual farms. One hundred percent of the purchase goes to Save the Children. According to Save the Children, the destructive earthquake and tsunami displaced approximately 100,000 children.

Daily FarmVille players noticed that within a day of the tsunami and earthquake the Daikon crop permit was available. According to Zynga, they had the crop up and running within 12 hours of the disaster. Zynga understands not only the urgency of the situation, but how important it is to solicit a response from players while the event is fresh in their minds.

When disaster strikes, people often feel helpless and wonder, "What can I do?" Having a safe and valid way to donate money to the smallest and most helpless victims (the children) is one way to help. They also know people are more likely to give if they get a little something in return.

FarmVille players on Facebook can donate 25, 55 or 240 Farm Cash. First you have to buy the Farm Cash or use what you've earned and then donate it by buying Daikon seeds. You will need a credit card or PayPal account to spend either $5 (25 Farm Cash) or $10 (55 Farm Cash). If you want to donate 240 Farm Cash, you need to buy 310 Farm Cash for $50 and have some Farm Cash leftover for your farm since there is no way to buy just 240 Farm Cash.

The Daikon growing permit is good for one week and the crop will not wither. A collectible gift for your farm is included: a Japan Relief Flag.

When a deadly earthquake struck Haiti, Zynga also placed a crop on FarmVille to benefit the people of Haiti. They raised $1.5 million in five days, according to Zynga.

Save the Children spends 90 percent of its money on program services, with only 6 percent used for fundraising and 4 percent going to general management of the fund. Charity Navigator, a non-profit organization that tries to "guide intelligent giving," gives Save the Children a four-star rating based on how it spends its money .

Before donating to any relief organization or solicitation, always check out the charity first. If you're confronted on the phone or e-mail, don't respond until you have time to do the research.