MOSES LAKE — A by-product of the stay-at-home measures put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19 has been a struggle to keep toilet paper in supply for many retailers and families.

Numerous retailers and stores have placed limits on the number of items a customer can purchase at one time, while other stores across the country have seen criminal and violent activity over the shortage as well. When Moses Lake community members were asked about difficulties they have faced, multiple residents said they had no issues keeping their homes supplied with the bathroom item. Others described the struggle of a limited supply, continuing to look for ways to keep themselves, and family members in stock.

Nic, a 23-year-old employee at an auto parts retailer in Moses Lake, said he feels like the hunt for toilet paper has calmed down. When people first began flocking to stores for household necessities such as toilet paper, the Moses Lake man said he witnessed chaotic behavior first-hand at a store in Tri-Cities. He called the scene “crazy,” with customers climbing shelves and elderly shoppers being shoved aside. While Nic feels things have calmed down, the Moses Lake resident said he continues to hear reports about stores in the area still struggling to stay supplied.

Dolores, another 23-year-old from Moses Lake, said she has struggled to find toilet paper for herself and loved ones who can’t shop for themselves despite working in a store that supplies it. The retail clerk said she has had to have her brother purchase it for her. Due to limits placed on the amount one customer can buy, Dolores said she is unable to buy for herself and her grandparents without looking like she’s hoarding it.

A 26-year-old shopping for groceries on Wednesday said she has been to a store once a week for the last month with plans to buy toilet tissue. So far, she has gotten none, only three rolls of paper towels. She has instead found a supply at a gas station and has had no issues there so far.

Shirley, a Moses Lake resident, was browsing through birthday cards on Wednesday as she prepared for her granddaughter’s birthday. Toilet paper supply hasn’t been an issue, Shirley said, thanks to a church program she works with that keeps a rotating stock of household items.

Taylor, 27, was working in an office on Wednesday, and said she hasn’t had any issues with keeping the bathroom item in supply since the shortage began. The 27-year-old said she’s just been buying regularly and hasn’t faced any issues finding it on shelves.

Andy, 69, said he was able to pick up a 12-pack earlier this week. He said his sister gave him two rolls when stores first began running low, despite him already having some at home. The Moses Lake man joked that he must have been the only person in town that had any left.