MANSFIELD (1080 KRLD)- Hawaiian Falls parks in Mansfield and Roanoke gave discounts to families Friday in exchange for school supplies. Families dropping off supplies received $10 admission that can be applied through September 15.
Some school districts in the area started class this week, but many families at the Roanoke location Friday said this was their last big trip before the new year.
"I got off work early and just decided to come out here and let the kids have fun," one mom said.
"I like riding the slides," her daughter said. "I like the lazy river and wave pool."
Hawaiian Falls will then give the supplies to Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange and Mansfield ISD Clothes Closet.
"There's always a need, even after school starts and that first pass of supplies has already been distributed," says Hawaiian Falls' Ron McKenzie.
McKenzie says the need for items like notebooks, pens and paper will continue into the school year, so this can help non-profits restock shelves after an initial rush.
"A lot of what we provide allows them to replenish," he says. "After the school year starts, kids still need help, new people move into the area, so they have need for supplies year-round."
People donating supplies could also take pictures with Rangers Captain. A line of families stretched under a roof covering a plaza so they could stay dry even as rain started falling.
"I was scared it was going to be cancelled because it was raining," one girl said.
"They want to do all the stuff. It doesn't matter. The rain, they don't care," her mom said.
Since Rangers Captain could stay dry, the pictures continued.
Hawaiian Falls' McKenzie says last year's school supply drive brought more than 10,000 items.
Hawaiian Falls locations in Mansfield, Roanoke and Waco are open daily through Tuesday and will stay open weekends through September 15. They are currently selling 2025 season passes at https://hfalls.com/ .
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