NEW YORK - It took 72 years for Margaret Boyd and Helaine Ritter's paths to cross, but you'd think they’ve been friends forever. They both grew up on the Lower East Side - within blocks of each other.

Some of their similarities are uncanny.

"My father was a baker, her father was a baker," Boyd said.

"Her granddaughter is Olivia, my granddaughter is Olivia," Ritter said.

But the two didn't meet until they started volunteering at Educational Alliance’s Manny Cantor Center five years ago.

For both of them, it was a way to keep busy after retirement and make new friends. 

Quickly, Margaret and Helaine built a bond. They fight and love like sisters. 

"I think I'm older than you," Boyd said.

"I'm older than you, I told ya! Listen to me! That's right, a few months," Ritter said.

But it's all business when they’re running breakfast and lunch service at the senior center.

The two are there every day starting at 6 a.m.

Margaret and Helaine prep the food and clean the tables before helping to serve the nearly 200 seniors who stop by for a bite to eat. 

And on Mondays they organize Bingo, an activity that draws dozens of members.

Its programming is made possible thanks to the duo’s dedication.

"Margaret and Helaine are indefatigable, they have boundless amounts of energy, I know that, as sure as the sun rises in the morning and sets at night, Margaret and Helaine will be at Manny Cantor Center," said Alan van Capelle, President & CEO of Educational Alliance.

Margaret and Helaine agree that's true. It's precious time they can't imagine spending any other way: being at the center and being with each other.

"I love her like a sister. And I'm so proud to have her as a sister, a friend, a companion, and to work with her," Boyd said.

"And I double that," Ritter added.

So, for giving their time, energy, and love to the Manny Cantor Center and all of its members, Margaret Boyd and Helaine Ritter are our New Yorkers of the Week.