Seniors gather outside Bashas' early Wednesday.

By Paul Lenhard

I woke at 3:30 a.m. and couldn’t go back to sleep. What to do? I went to Maricopa Bashas’ first senior-only shopping from 5 to 6 a.m. I got there about 4:30 and was about the 20th person there. At 5 a.m. the line swelled to approximately 300 people excited to finally be able to get some shopping done.

Sadly, the store wasn’t restocked from the night prior and we found no toilet paper, paper towels or water. The seniors-only shopping was a wonderful idea, but most left disappointed. Let’s all hope they can restock prior to the next.

Because I was already up, I went to Walmart, and arrived about 5:20 a.m. I stood in line with 30-40 folks in front of me. A Walmart employee informed waiting shoppers the plan for entry and they let us in. Walmart had arrows on the floor directing to water products and paper supplies. They had a reasonable amount to distribute and employees handed out one to each shopper. Although they are not fully stocked, many food and essential items were available in the grocery isles

If folks are in extreme need, I’d suggest get to Walmart early (5:15 in line )

Stay safe and be kind

Paul Lenhard is a retired Maricopa resident.