ORPHANS in Romania are set to be surprised with gifts this Christmas thanks to staff at a Brierley Hill-based insurance broker.

Arthur J Gallagher employees got into a charitable spirit this year by collecting and delivering 20 boxes full of gifts and useful items to donate to the Caminul Felix orphanage.

Caminul Felix, based in western Romania, has looked after the orphaned and abandoned children of Romania since 1990. The independent Christian organisation has ties with local Stourbridge church, Amblecote Christian Centre, which appealed for items to be sent to the children for Christmas.

When the team at the Waterfront-based firm found out about the appeal, they set to work to create shoeboxes for the children containing essential items — such as deodorant, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner — along with some luxuries including onesies, nail varnish and other beauty products.

Sarita Pearson, sales co-ordinator, said: “Christmas is a time for children and to think there are youngsters who will be without their family, especially at this time of year, really hit home.

“Our gifts are only a small token, but they will hopefully bring a smile to the faces of the orphans.”

Alongside the shoeboxes, staff also donated a significant amount of clothing.

The team also volunteered to help collect more than 500 shoeboxes from other donors and deliver them to the collection point, with the delivery lorry now on its way to the orphanage, ready to hand over the gifts in time for Christmas.