Omni Hotel, Independence Park Team Up To Give 15 Children Holiday Surprise

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Omni Hotel at Independence Park gave 15 kids from Big Brothers, Big Sisters a huge holiday surprise this Thursday evening.

The night started with a top secret plan, says Omni Hotel General Manager AJ Williams.

"Members of Big Brothers Big Sisters have come to the hotel under the guise that they're going do some crafts and learn a little bit about hotels."

But instead of arts and crafts, the children walked into a room where 15 bikes and helmets were all lined up, each bearing the name of its new owner.

"It's awesome!!"

Eleven-year-old Samir says he had no idea he'd get a new ride.

Reporter: Was this a nice surprise for you?
Samir: Yes.
Reporter: So what are you going to do with your new bike?
Samir: I'm going to ride it and see how it feels.

Ten-year-old Jasmine says the new wheels came just in time.

Reporter: Do you have a bike now?
Jasmine: I used to, but it broke.

Her big sister Kiaka says the two will now have a new activity.

"I just bought a bike. I told her we will ride together."

Williams says the bikes were put together by Omni Hotel staff, with the help of Keswick Cycle of Glenside.

"We timed this so it would coincide with the holiday season and its part of our culture here at the hotel- to give back whenever we can. We thought this was a great opportunity to do that."

Just in time for the holidays.