A Christmas spent lighting up the lives of others — one good deed at a time

Arlene Harris talks to people who will spend their Christmas helping others in need, providing delicious meals, being on standby in case of emergencies, and even delivering gifts

Valentia Lifeboat Station Valentia Island, County Kerry. Pictured - Back left to right: Cornelia Lyne, Brian Mollaghan, Denis Daly, Dominic Lyne, Michelle O'Shea, Neilie Lyne, Conn O'Shea, Mick Smyt. Kneeling: Left to right: Ciaran Murphy, Aidan Riordan, Liam O'Shea, Sammy Chenford & Richard Quigley Coxswain. Picture: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD.

For most people, Christmas is a time for rest, getting together with family and loved ones, and getting a well-earned rest at the end of a busy year.

But it is also a time for giving and caring, and thousands of people all over the country will put their own needs aside and spend their free time helping others in need.