San Antonio teacher buying school supplies for students gets pay-it-forward surprise

A popular Facebook page shared the story of Sabrina Drude, who was buying school supplies for her students in San Antonio when she was approached by Lester Brown, who paid for the full cart. A popular Facebook page shared the story of Sabrina Drude, who was buying school supplies for her students in San Antonio when she was approached by Lester Brown, who paid for the full cart. Image 1 of / 78 Caption Close San Antonio teacher buying school supplies for students gets pay-it-forward surprise 1 / 78 Back to Gallery

In preparation of the new school year, a San Antonio middle school teacher in the Southwest Independent School District decided to stock her science classroom with supplies purchased out of her own pocket, but with the help of another customer that had a heart and money to share, their encounter became a story warming hearts nationwide.

Sabrina Drude, a 2nd-year teacher at Francis Scobee Middle School, told mySA.com she was shopping for school supplies on Saturday at the Walmart at 5555 De Zavala Road when a stranger approached her and paid it forward.

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Drude said she was approached by another customer who asked why she had a cart full of school supplies, including 150 notebooks.

"I explained that I teach science and that it wasn't worth the hassle of trying to get kids to bring their own notebooks, and that it takes away from time I could teaching them," the 23-year-old said in Facebook and Reddit posts said. "I started crying and hugged him and asked for a picture. His son was watching the whole thing too."

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The teacher's photo was posted on Facebook by "Love What Matters," a New York-based page with more than 4 million fans. Her story was shared more than 15,000 times and more than 100,000 users reacted to it, including the good Samaritan.

A user listed as Lester W Brown responded to the post , identified himself and challenged others to match his deed.

"So, I was just at Walmart, buying school supplies for my kids, when this man started asking me questions (like why are... Posted by Love What Matters on Monday, August 15, 2016

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"[...] I could see that this lady was willing to do whatever it takes for the success of the kids she is responsible to teach," the Austin resident said on Aug. 15. "I'd been keeping that $100 bill in my wallet waiting for the time when God said 'NOW!' [...] Love is the only way."

He asked others to represent a student or classroom.

"And I pray that all kids learn free of violence or harm this school year," Brown added.

Brown's comment was liked nearly 10,000 times and spurred a bevy of praise and appreciation on Facebook.

"There are some really good people in this world," Drude said. "What a nice man."

Drude said she and Brown have been in contact and he's hoping to help out her class throughout the year, including possibly throwing a pizza party.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye