Washington wore Courage Caps hats during warmups to support the cause. (Photo credit: @KCity65)

Sports teams may feel like glorified corporations these days. There still, however, is something more to them: the fans, the community, and the good the teams can do through charitable work. On Sunday, the Washington Capitals launched their annual Courage Caps program, which raised over $100,000 for TAPS, a military charity, last year.

Launched in 2007, Courage Caps has raised almost $325,000 through the sale of special hats and t-shirts. The apparel can be signed by a Caps player for a couple extra 10s. For the second year in a row the program is benefitting TAPS — the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors — which programs counseling and support services to the families of fallen soldiers. To kick off this season’s program, Washington held a skating party for some TAPS families. A week ago, Americans Matt Hendricks, Joey Crabb, Jack Hillen, and John Carlson took the ice with around 150 people who have been helped by TAPS.

“Without the men and women that do what they do for our country, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy this great freedom,” Hendricks said at the time.

So if you want to feel better about yourself and support the Caps, stop by one of the team stores or head over their website. It’s a lovely cause.