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PepsiCo, Wal-Mart Step Up For Storm Aid In New York

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- PepsiCo and Wal-Mart have stepped up to donate supplies to the state of New York in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday was encouraging other corporations to do the same.

PepsiCo executive vice president and chief financial officer Hugh Johnston said Sunday that the company had donated 50 trailer loads of products, including Gatorade, Tropicana, Quaker Oats, Pepsi and Lays items, to storm victims.

"We couldn't be prouder to help the region in its time of need," Johnston said.

Meanwhile, Wal-Mart has pledged $1.5 million in donations of in-kind products, executive vice president and chief operating officer Gisel Ruiz said at the news conference.

"You might think some of these products might look a little bit basic, but you can't underestimate the importance of products such as cleaning supplies," Ruiz said.

Sixty pallets of dry food products for those who may still be without power have also been distributed. Pallets of toys for affected children are also being shipped out, Ruiz said.

"We're glad to just take a small part in the help that we're able to provide the citizens of New York under this state of desperate need," she said.

The National Guard will distribute the products from PepsiCo and Wal-Mart, Cuomo said, adding that he is encouraging other corporations also to issue donations.

"We encourage other corporations to step up to the plate and follow the lead of Wal-Mart and PepsiCo," he said.

To find out how, Cuomo said, corporate leaders may go to NY.gov.

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