Haunted House Brings Thrills and Chills, Funding for Student Experiences

In the small town of Temple, Oklahoma, a haunted house has become more than just a spooky attraction – it's a community-driven initiative that's making a real difference in the lives of local students. As the sun sets, the doors to Hills Wicked Warehouse open, revealing a world of terror and excitement that's captivating visitors from near and far.

Transforming Passion into Purpose: The Story Behind Hills Wicked Warehouse

A Labor of Love: Bringing the Haunted House to Life

Hunter Hill, the owner of the attraction, and his wife share a deep love for Halloween and decorating their home. As their collection of decorations grew, they decided to take their passion to the next level and create a haunted house. "Me and my wife love Halloween, decorating our house, and we accumulated so much decoration we decided, let's build a haunted house," said Hill.

Giving Back to the Community: Funding Student Experiences

But this haunted house is more than just a spooky experience – it's a way for the Hills to give back to their community. Both Hill and his wife work for Temple Public Schools, and they've made it a priority to donate any profits from the haunted house to the senior class trip. "Most of these kids in Temple, they don't get to travel, they don't get to do things, and we thought it would be cool to spend some money and send them somewhere they've never been," Hill explained.

The Generosity Pays Off: Providing Unforgettable Experiences

The most recent donation was a condo in South Padre Island for the class of 2024, a gift that has left a lasting impact on the students. "We are so grateful," said recent graduate Gracie Gonzalez. "I never thought we would actually get to do something like this." The students who have been involved in the haunted house operation have also expressed their appreciation for the opportunity. "All that work they did in this haunted house. All those hours they put in on the weekends," Hill said. "They were like, 'This is worth it'."

Bringing the Community Together: A Shared Sense of Pride

The haunted house has become more than just a fundraising effort – it's a source of community pride and excitement. "Nothing really big happens around Temple, so it was actually pretty exciting to see other people from towns such as Lawton or Wichita to come to our little town to see what we've built and done," Gonzalez said. The opportunity to be a part of the haunted house has also attracted the interest of next year's seniors, who are eager to contribute to the experience. "Once we found out they went to south padre, all of us seniors really wanted to do that," said Kamryn McCracken, a current senior. "Even if we didn't get to go anywhere, it's a fun experience. Making a lot of memories with our friends."

Accessibility and Inclusivity: Sensory-Friendly Hours

The Hills Wicked Warehouse is not just about thrills and chills – it's also about inclusivity. On Halloween night, the haunted house will offer a sensory-free time for those with special needs to come out and play games. "We're not really in it for making tons of money, we're in it to help our seniors, help our kids get excited about something," Hill said.With the haunted house open every weekend of October from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and a $15 admission fee, the Hills Wicked Warehouse is providing a unique and unforgettable experience for the community of Temple, Oklahoma. From the thrills and chills to the heartwarming stories of giving back, this haunted house is a testament to the power of passion, community, and the transformative impact that can be made when people come together for a common purpose.