Ah, what memories you conjured up, Ann!
When the toilet paper shelves were empty in the retail stores, businesses that order such things by the case could still get plenty. One of my law firm clients ordered extra cases and let employees have as much as needed, for free, and to share with neighbors. Same with paper towels.
My nail tech was able to buy isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and sanitizing wipes wholesale when such items were impossible to find in stores. She kept me and her other clients supplied.
What we needed was always there, just not always where we were looking and not always available to everyone. Isn’t that always the scenario with the necessities of life? Some of us have means of getting what we need while others can’t. Isn’t that what should never be the scenario?