Teachers surprised with free school supplies at Atlanta store

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — As the new school year approaches, a group of teachers shopping for classroom supplies were surprised to find their purchases covered — by Atlanta News First Surprise Squad.

The Surprise Squad approached teachers mid-shop, telling them their items were on the house. One teacher, pushing a cart through the aisles, reacted with disbelief.

“Oh, my heart is beating! Are you serious? Thank you!” she said.

Several of the teachers described spending personal money on classroom materials as routine. One said her husband tells her she spends more on her students than she brings home. Another, shopping for her fourth-grade science and social studies class, said she had set a strict limit for the trip.

“My budget is one hundred dollars,” she said. Her total came to $77.67 before the Surprise Squad stepped in.

A first-year teacher said she was buying pencils and table cubbies ahead of her first classroom. “I’m excited to get into my first classroom and make a difference — be a change engine,” she said. Her bill came to $33.

Another teacher described the financial reality many educators face year-round.

“Teaching is a 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year job,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realize how much money comes out of our own pockets for these kids.” She added that she typically waits until end-of-year clearance sales to restock supplies.