DETROIT — On the heels of Thanksgiving, food becomes the topic of discussion amongst family and friends.

The importance of food bringing families together is not lost on Red Wings forward Drew Miller, whose efforts during this season will help make a donation to the Salvation Army's Bed and Bread Truck program.

Miller wants to have a positive impact on the Detroit community with his efforts on and off the ice, which is why he plans to donate $75 (U.S.) for every blocked shot he records this season.

“The food bank is something that I thought would be (a good cause),” he said. “A lot of people are not eating out there, especially in Detroit. The city is making a comeback but there’s still people out there that need some help and I think that’s something myself and my wife want to be a part of.”

When asked about the unique statistic he chose to contribute his efforts with, Miller said he wanted to make a worthwhile donation that would have an affect on people.

“That’s probably the one stat I have the most in. You want to pick a stat that is prominent for myself and I don’t really have a lot of goals and assists in the season …you want to donate and help out.”

One blocked shot will help feed seven people for one day on the Bed and Bread Truck. Two blocked shots will help feed 15 people for one day or help feed one person every day for an entire year. After finishing with 63 blocked shots in 82 games last season, Miller has totaled 22 blocked shots through the Wings’ first 21 games.

The Bed and Bread trucks travel metro Detroit bringing food and comfort to thousands of area residents 365 days a year. The red and white trucks make various stops throughout the city in the areas that demonstrate the most need. At each stop, the trucks provide food to the hungry and homeless. In addition to the truck, the brick-and-mortar portion of the program includes several shelters throughout metro Detroit, including two located on the campus of the Detroit Harbor Light Acres of Hope. At the shelters, homeless families and individuals have a place to live and three meals each day.

Throughout southeast Michigan, the Bed and Bread program feeds nearly 5,000 people each day and provides shelter to 565 people every night of the year.

“There’s a lot of families that are trying to get by," Miller said, "and just little things can help, especially around the holidays.”