As the holiday season becomes a new year, the West Virginia State Bar recognizes Trent Redman, who is “More Than a Lawyer” by bringing joy to children in his community.
When two WVU law students decided to throw an end-of-semester Christmas party in 1996, Redman told his friends to bring a toy with them, in exchange for pizza and beer. Those who protested were reminded they seemed to have enough money to celebrate the end of classes, but without a toy in hand, they couldn’t attend this party. From this deal, the Toy Train was born, and twenty-eight years later, it still begins its annual journey at Redman’s Christmas party. It remains a highlight of Redman’s year.
“People say it’s got to be the greatest feeling for you to help so many people,” says Redman, “but the reality is it’s the best day and the worst day of the year. I wish we didn’t have to do it.”
The first Toy Train ended with Redman taking the collected toys to a friend who worked at Christian Help, a non-profit organization in Morgantown. According to Redman, his buddy’s face told him that a party which ultimately provided toys for local families was a great idea. After graduating the next year, Redman moved to Huntington and brought the Toy Train party with him. New friends enthusiastically exchanged toys for cheap pizza and drinks at Redman’s home. Redman continued the tradition when he moved to Charleston in 2000, with his soon-to-be wife, Tiffany Davis Redman.
Public service has always been a hallmark of Redman’s career. He was a Cabinet member for Governor Bob Wise, an Administrative Law Judge, a Public Defender, and both a Magistrate and an Assistant Prosecutor in Cabell County. While he is now a partner in Redman Legal, LC, he remains committed to giving back to the community. Redman, a Keyser native, found his inspiration for community service in his grandmother, Elizabeth Belle Redman, who raised fourteen children never having enough to go around, but she always gave more than she had. “My grandmother would give to others before she took care of herself,” says Redman. “She taught me that community is important and that giving was more important than receiving.”
The Toy Train now operates through similar parties in fifteen West Virginia counties and fourteen states. Trent and Tiffany hosted their 2024 Toy Train at the Red Carpet Lounge in Charleston, under the same conditions he set in 1996. The event collected hundreds of toys for local children in shelters, and monetary donations allowed hats and gloves to be purchased for 51 children in after-school programs. Any toys not delivered for Christmas were given to the children’s ward at CAMC Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Redman, his wife, and two children, Elizabeth and Theodore, live in Charleston, where the entire community is grateful that he is more than a lawyer. To volunteer or donate to the Toy Train, contact Redman at 304-306-2340. Redman was nominated by Lindsay McIntosh.
