Want to help Japan? Play Zynga Facebook games (and buy something)

Over the weekend, Zynga joined forces with Save the Children and released several different methods through which its fans could donate to Japan as it recovers from the disastrous earthquake and tsunami. Several games were updated with exclusive items that, when purchased, Zynga promises to donate 100 percent of proceeds to Save the Children for their efforts. Here are seven ways that you can help.

FarmVille
Zynga released a brand new crop to FarmVille in light of the disaster, Daikon Radish. This Japanese radish is complete with Mastery and never withers. How does it help? You have the choice of donating 25, 55, or 240 Farm Cash for a one-week permit to plant as many Daikon crops as you wish, which cost 10 coins and harvest for 125 and 3 XP in six hours. Do this, and Zynga will match the value of your donation and hand it over to Save the Children.

Kobe Cow
FrontierVille
Kobe Cows are available for purchase in FrontierVille, and, no, you can't get any delicious beef from them. The cows cost 45 Horseshoes and will provide 5 XP and 50 coins every 10 hours when fed. Again, Zynga will take 100 percent of that Horseshoe value and give to Save the Children.

Cafe World Japan Relief
Cafe World
Zynga has re-released several Japanese-themed decorations to Cafe World like the Sumo Wrestler, the Ninja and more for either 25 or 50 Cafe Cash. Pick up one of these items inspired by Japan and Zynga will include that value in its donation to Save the Children.

Sweet PotatoesCityVille
Sweet Potatoes are CityVille's donation of choice, which are available for 5 City Cash a square, provide 250 Goods, never wither and instantly grow. This allows players to donate as much or as little as they like with instant results. Of course, Zynga will match these donations as well.

Words with Friends
In one of the more ... boring campaigns, Words with Friends players can tap the "Save the Children" button in the game and donate directly to Save the Children. Hey, at least mobile Zynga game players can contribute to the cause.

Zynga Poker
Unfortunately, there are no special items to buy in Zynga Poker, but players who buy a VIP Club membership will be donating to Save the Children simultaneously. A 30-day membership costs $5, so consider that your contribution to the relief effort. Though, we recommend that if you're not a hardcore Zynga Poker fan you donate elsewhere--a 30-day membership is a commitment for five smackers.

If you just want to avoid the new creatures and decorations, you can easily donate directly to Save the Children by clicking the relevant icon on the Zynga Game Bar, or zBar for short. Oddly enough, it appears that Zynga is the only major social game developer to contribute to the cause for whatever reason. As a social gamer, it seems you pretty much have no excuse not to donate, so get to it.

Have you donated to the Japanese relief effort through Zynga games? Which of these donation methods is most appealing to you?