Around the globe, Zyngites found ways to pitch in and make a difference.

This past week, Zynga’s army of good gamers rolled up their sleeves and got to work for Spring Service Days, a three-day marathon of public service and outreach programs.

In just three days, more than 350 Zynga employees contributed nearly 1000 hours of volunteer service in their local communities, proving once again that Zyngites are “all heart,” just like the logo on their volunteer t-shirts.

Spearheaded by Zynga.org, Spring Service Days emphasizes the importance of making a social impact in our communities. More than 1,200 Zyngites have already participated in these projects; a full 41% of Zynga employees have given back through Zynga.org programs.

In a word, Zynga volunteers have been inspirational.

San Francisco hosted eight different events, from hands-on work at the SPCA and teaching educational games to the kids of the Mission Boys & Girls Club, to food service at Glide and The Sanctuary Shelter. On Friday, Women@Zynga hosted a class of 6th grade girls from the girls-in-tech nonprofit, Techbridge, for a lesson in game design. Over the weekend, Spring Service Days culminated at Golden Gate Park, where we worked to restore and beautify the habitat around Stow Lake.

Around the globe, Zyngites found ways to pitch in and make a difference.

In Bangalore, the team ran a “Teach the Teacher Program.” Ten local teachers received computer training enabling them to more effectively teach children in government schools across the city of Bangalore.

In Beijing, the team worked with nonprofit partner Roundabout to sort donations to be handed out to those in need in the local community.

Dublin folks pitched in to help build a community urban garden. The team had such a great time that they will be partnering with the garden for ongoing community service projects.

The gang in San Diego has been working hard, but still found time to give back through a blood drive for the San Diego Blood Bank.

Team Toronto volunteered at CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) and taught kids there how to make video games.
Team Eugene helped clean up Pioneer Cemetery, an important community landmark and the final resting place of some of Oregon’s earliest pioneers.

In New York, office volunteers worked with the local Humane Society to socialize animals and help out around the hospital and shelter.

All in all, Zynga employees did us proud. As a company that makes fun, social games, it feels right — and natural — to work to make the real world a happier, more compassionate place. Thank you to everyone who participated – and to Zynga team captains around the world who led these events.

Here’s to more playing it forward with Zynga.org!