Ilan looked carefully in the hallway outside the classroom at YAI's Manhattan Star Academy (MSA), when he encountered a young woman wearing a silver crown and sash. He immediately gave her a big hug.

It was the first of many for Lorena Sarria, Ms. Latina International Colombia, as she celebrated the holidays with a group of MSA students this week. She read a book, danced, delivered gifts and smiles.

For Lorena, a native of Colombia, this was a way to continue a family tradition. Her family would deliver gifts to people less fortunate in Colombia. "I just want to bring a smile to children," Lorena said. She discovered YAI's website while researching where she could bring joy to children and visited MSA last week. Lorena knew she had to arrive armed with presents.

"The smiles made my day, my month," she said. "This was one of the best gifts I could have. Until next time."

A model and actress, Lorena lives in New York City and owns her own hair extension company, Vivir Extension. She looks forward to more visits with MSA students and partnering with YAI.