By LAHNA WALL
Beakon Staff Writer
YOUNGSTOWN — What started as a simple act of kindness has turned into a four-year mission for Cardinal Mooney High School senior Trent Litman, who has collected and donated nearly 2,000 books to Akron Children’s Hospital.
With unwavering support from his church, Litman has dedicated himself to providing books to children in need. “The support has been constant from my church,” Litman said. “I think I could have done anything, and my church would support me.”
The inspiration for his service project came from his family. His mother introduced him to the idea after his brother undertook a similar initiative, donating sports equipment instead of books. Litman’s love for picture books as a child and his middle school’s emphasis on Read Across America Day further fueled his passion for giving back.
Since launching the book drive, Litman said he has not only grown in character but also developed valuable skills. “I have learned how to talk to people. At church, I would express what I was doing, make connections, and really learn how to donate,” he said. “Before linking with Akron Children’s Hospital, I didn’t really know how to donate.”
Through his dedication, Litman has helped bring the joy of reading to young patients—one book at a time.
