QUEENS, N.Y. - Getting around town requires a little extra help for Alice Crespo. She was born blind. But thanks to a cane and her trusty pal, Wilimae, the Astoria resident does just fine. 

"For some people, they don't get around as well as I do. They don't have the tenacity to do what they have to do," Crespo said.

Crespo says she's always been fairly independent but understands others with disabilities may not be the same. 

In an effort to help those needing that extra support, Crespo founded "Helping Hands for the Disabled."

It's a food pantry delivery service she started nearly 40 years ago. 

"There was a need for people who were disabled to get food and the regular food pantries couldn't meet that need because many have a lot of steps, or certain days, certain hours, that made it hard for someone who was not able to get around well," Crespo said.

With the help of a small group of volunteers - although she does often go out on her own - Crespo delivers bags of food to 22 blind or wheelchair-bound recipients throughout the month. 

She uses public transportation or cabs to travel across the five boroughs, dropping off items like soups, soda, and sometimes hot meals donated by restaurants. 

"I had a bad accident a while ago so it's a little harder for me to do things so her getting me this stuff helps a lot," said Marta Ayende, a recipient.

That feeling of gratitude is one Crespo shares - and it’s the drive behind her dedication to others. 

"So many times, people focus on what they don't have. And one of the things we need to do is focus on what we do have. I can't sit here and say well, I'm blind, I don't have sight - we already know that. Now let's figure out a way to get things done another way," Crespo said.

So, for lending a helping hand to those who need it most, Alice Crespo is our New Yorker of the Week.