By now, everyone in the region knows what a great football team we’ve got here. From the opening kickoff the night the Superdome reopened following Hurricane Katrina to the amazing win over the Vikings last Sunday, the Saints have done more to rebuild the psyche of the region than perhaps any other political or social force in South Louisiana. Their winning ways on the field have given the region something to rally around and believe in.

But something that gets somewhat overlooked amid all the Super Bowl hype is just what a great bunch of guys the boys in black and gold are. They’re rebuilding more than psyches. They are as much a powerhouse in terms of their charitable donations to the area as they are on the gridiron.

From day one, Drew Brees’ commitment to the region has been more than evident. Through the Brees Dream Foundation the Saints’ marquee player has raised millions to help advance cancer research, care for cancer patients, and help rebuild schools, parks, playgrounds and athletic fields in New Orleans, San Diego and Purdue communities.

His teammate Heath Evans, with whom Brees has partnered for a Super Bowl ticket raffle, also has his own charitable foundation named — appropriately enough — the Heath Evans Foundation. His foundation provides help to victims of sexual abuse.

Other Saints who are well known for giving back to community are Robert Meachem, who raises money and develops programs for underprivileged youth so they can participate in sports programs and other social activities, and Jabari Greer, who works with the A Child’s Wish of New Orleans group to fulfill the dreams of children with life-threatening diseases. Really, the list goes on and on.

Then, there are the activities the organization participates in as a whole. Earlier in the season, the team partnered with Louisiana artist Alex Beard to create a print based around the Louisiana flag and a Saints helmet. All proceeds from the sale of that unique piece of art benefit a multitude of local children’s charities.

And the giving doesn’t stop once the curtain falls on the season. After the Super Bowl a handful of players will play in a charity baseball game against some of the stars of the popular “Twilight” movies to raise money for the crisis in Haiti.

So, no matter the outcome on Feb. 7, know that just by having this extraordinary group of guys around, the region has already won.

Supporting the Saints is not just good, it’s good for you, too.