Crowd that lines up outside Costco Friday morning displays a mix of humor, anger, worry

COEUR d’ALENE — In the far back of the line outside Costco, people huddled together to fend off the cold on Friday morning.

Some sat on chairs, blankets over their shoulders. A few leaned against the wall. Most stood, chatting as they were protected from the 30-degree weather by hats, gloves and winter coats.

Then, a voice, very loudly, said, “So, this is social distancing.”

Well, social distancing wasn’t the primary concern for some right then. Rather, getting into the vast warehouse was at the top of their list.

So when the line shuffled slightly, another voice said, “progress is progress.”

And then, people began moving slowly, steadily forward. It was time.

“It’s moving, it’s moving, hot dog,” shouted a woman.

It was a humorous, but still serious crowd that waited for the Costco doors to open at 8 a.m. for a special one hour of shopping for those 60 and older.

One man’s arm was in a sling due to a shoulder injury.

A woman was using crutches as she hobbled ahead.

Another man was on a motorized scooter.

While it was food, drink and other supplies they sought, one item was in particular demand — toilet paper.

Costco was ready.

Thirty-packs of toilet paper going for $16.99 were stacked in the middle of an aisle and employees handed them out as people pushing carts passed by.

An employee said the store has been receiving toilet paper shipments daily, but they’re gone within 30 minutes.

“Here you go,” said an employee as he placed a package in a cart.

Robert Kernen of Coeur d’Alene arrived at 6:30 a.m. with high hopes to get toilet paper, bleach, and “stuff that’s necessary to keep my family healthy.”

“I’m trying to beat the hoarders that have taken so much stuff away from us,” he said. “The elderly people like myself don’t have a chance to get to it. I’ve been looking for stuff for two weeks. Today is the day I can get in and get some.”

The 83-year-old Kernen is a Korean War veteran who served with the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1962. He knows about sacrifice and going without for the good of others, he said.

So when he sees bare store shelves because people are stockpiling, it gets his dander up.

“I think it’s stupid the way people are acting,” Kernen said. “It’s getting like most of America is today. Everything is for me. Not for my neighbor, not for my friends, not for my family. It’s for me.”

His daughter, Faye Maestas, is near his side, her foot resting on a walker because of recent ankle surgery.

“To be able to get what we need, I had to be able to come out with him,” she said.

They have six adults and one child at their home, so some staples are running low and have been tough to come by.

Thus, they showed up early outside Costco, despite the chilly conditions.

“I’m more worried about him, making sure he’s staying warm,” Maestas said.

Like her dad, she shakes her head and says having to stand in a long line in the cold in hopes of buying what they need, because many are hoarding, “is crazy. Absolutely crazy.”

“Seeing people doing what they’re doing, it breaks my heart,” she said.

Raul Villalobos of Coeur d’Alene arrived about 5:30 a.m. and was near the front of the line. He said with his work schedule, he’s only been able to shop in the evenings.

“By the time I get there late, it’s all gone,” he said.

So when he had some free time Friday morning, he went to Costco in search of staples like rice, beans, flour and yes, toilet paper.

Villalobos said he is worried, but not scared, about the coronavirus outbreak and its consequences. He said he feels fortunate to have many people helping him and his family.

“It’s nothing to just bat away, but I do think we do need to look to the Lord and also just be diligent and wise,” he said. “Things are changing economically, shortages like this are a reality you have to deal with.”

Lisa Felton of Hayden was first in line Friday, with milk and toilet paper on her list.

“The early bird gets the worm,” she said.

She found the crowd milling around to be upbeat and friendly.

“We are going through a very hard time. It brings people together,” Felton said. “If you have a strong faith in God, we will get through this. He’s not going to leave us.”

A woman stood with her husband, cheerfully chatting with those around her. She explained they had just moved to Worley from Albany, Ore.

She said she noticed one thing about the people of her new home state.

“Idahoans are so nice,” she said.

Mike and Debra Williamson arrived at 6:15 a.m. to secure a spot near the front, in need of food, toilet paper and disinfecting wipes.

Debra has an 84-year-old mother to look after.

“Yesterday we were out just trying to get some supplies for her,” Debra said, as she glanced at the line that stretched out behind her. “This is unbelievable. I don’t want her out in this.”

The situation is becoming scary, she said, adding that when people see empty shelves, they panic. In their recent visits to stores, they found little produce and no meat.

“It’s sad that everybody stockpiles and you can’t get the normal supplies that you need,” she said.

The Williamsons have been married 30 years and said what’s happening today is taking a toll on their family. Their daughter is already fighting cancer and their son has lost his job.

“It’s tough. Times are tough,” Debra said.

“Turn it over to the Lord and everything will be good,” Mike added.

Both said they have what they need at home and don’t plan to stockpile. Their visit to Costco had a single purpose.

“We’re just trying to find toilet paper,” Debra said.