As the music of the 1990s band Sugar blasted through my car speakers the other day, I got to thinking about our lives.

I came to the conclusion that if singer Bob Mould’s voice — harsh but melodic at different times during his tunes — can plow through a wall of guitar, bass and drums with success, then we, too, can help others try to make their way through hardships, especially during the holidays.

We can all make a difference in others’ lives by donating clothes, food, toys or other precious items at the many drop-off spots around town. You can see them everywhere these days: at supermarkets, banks, schools and community events.

Doing their part —among many Northshore people — are St. Brendan School’s sixth-graders in Bothell, who are compiling $1 donations and will be out shopping today with their teacher Pam Schwartz for items for their Christmas food baskets for families in need. The local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store will deliver the baskets the week before Christmas.

And you can always count on Northshore Rotary for a helping hand. For the 21st year, the club will be gathering hundreds of families at its Santa Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. Saturday at Northshore Junior High (12101 N.E. 160th St., Bothell). Tickets are $3 per person for the event, which will feature pictures with Santa and Woodinville Rotary handing out warm coats to children in need.

This is always one of the most popular events of the year, both for families and volunteers like the Inglemoor High Key Club and Bothell High’s Future Business Leaders of America and Cougar football team, among others. I’ve heard many of these volunteers discuss the enlightening, inspirational and spirited event each year.

Knocking down some pins is also on tap on the giving front this year with the Wranglers Special Olympics team’s Jingle Bowl 2010 from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Kenmore Lanes (7638 N.E. Bothell Way).

So the events are there, we just need to find some time out of our busy schedules to attend. It will be worth it — an invaluable present for all.