Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced the Scott Martella Baby Supply Drive in partnership with Long Island Cares. The donation drive will be held in memory of Scott Martella, the former Communications Director for County Executive Bellone who was tragically killed in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway in 2016.
“Scott Martella was one of the most dedicated public servants that I have had the pleasure to work with,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. “Scott touched the lives of countless individuals and this year’s Baby Supply Drive will not only help families in need, but will honor his passion for giving back and his legacy and commitment to serving others.”
Paule Pachter, Chief Executive Officer, Long Island Cares, said: “On behalf of Long Island Cares, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to Stacy and Steve Martella for their tireless support of the regional food bank especially at a time when the need for emergency food assistance and other support has increased in response to COVID-19. We are seeing a growing number of families with infants and toddlers reaching out to us for diapers, formula and baby food as a result of losing their jobs and a steady paycheck. The Scott Martella Baby Supply Drive is named in memory of someone that was very close and important to our organization as both a board member and advocate. I know how proud Scott would be to know that this event is taking place and continuing his legacy to help his neighbors in need.”
During these unprecedented times, many families across Long Island are faced with difficult challenges and are in need of support, with one of the most requested items being baby diapers. All donations will help support Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Food Bank and their endeavor to make sure Long Island’s babies and toddlers have the supplies they need. The Baby Supply Drive will run until August 31, 2020.
Scott, who was 29 at the time of his passing, was widely considered a rising star in New York State government and public service. He impacted thousands of lives across Long Island and the state through his work in public service. Before the age of 30, Scott had already begun to assemble a list of accomplishments that included being the youngest person to be elected to the Smithtown Board of Education.
To donate to the Baby Supply Drive, visit https://yougivegoods.com/martellababydrive. If you would like to make a direct monetary contribution to Long Island Cares, please use this link: https://www.licares.org/make-a-difference/ways-to-give/donate.
About Scott Martella
A life-long residents of Smithtown, Scott received his B.A. in International Business from Boston University in 2008. During his studies, he spent a semester in Washington, D.C., where he developed his love for public service and government. After graduating, he returned to Long Island to work on the campaign of a local state senator and was elected to the Smithtown Board of Education at the age of 22. Scott began his work with the Governor’s Office in 2011. From 2011-2015, he served as the Governor’s Suffolk County Representative at the New York State Department of State before being promoted to Long Island Regional Representative for the New York State Department of Labor. While working for this administration, Scott built and maintained strong relationships with leaders in the community and impacted the lives of thousands across Long Island and New York State. He also served as Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s Director of Communications.
