A toilet paper shortage still afflicts many stores, but readers say that others have at least occasional supplies. Finding it seems to be a matter of luck and timing.

My column about searching for more than a week for toilet paper really rung the bells of readers, with more than 100 emails pouring in from across North America, including Oregon, Texas and Florida, about similar shortages.

But it’s encouraging to hear from people about stores in the GTA where they spotted toilet paper for sale, and a key tip that many say increases the chance of getting lucky: Get there as soon as stores open, before a run begins on new stock as it hits the shelves.

Lots of generous readers offered to share their TP, which warms my heart. My wife’s pal showed up at our door Wednesday with nine rolls, then my buddy Grizzly Jim Linder called Thursday, telling me to get to a particular No Frills, where I found 30 rolls of the good stuff for $9.88.

Others suggested using an ol’ fashioned newspaper – with many potshots at the Star – or recalled when pages torn from department store catalogue were put to the wipe test.

But people are clearly frustrated about the depletion of tissue by hoarders who are stocking up for the next six months, or even reselling it online for outrageous sums.

“It disgusts me that in such a time of need this is how humans act,” said Sonya Hayes. “I’m embarrassed to be part of this species right now.

“Before this got really bad I found a bunch at Walmart and boy, do I wish I had bought it all, so I could share it with people who are putting themselves and family members at greater risk, trying to find it.”

Readers also lamented ongoing shortages of hand sanitizer, paper towels, diapers, flour and other essentials for baking, canned goods and other staples, as well as price gouging.

Wendy Small sent me a photo of hand sanitizer for sale in a local store; big bottles priced at $26.99 and smaller ones for $16.99. What a deal.

“Same here in Whitby-Oshawa,” said Vicentiu Serban about toilet paper. “No chance to find any. Am told that maybe, if you come first thing in the morning, and they just received a transport, you may get one.”

Lynn Lee said she’s been waiting for the hoard mentality to recede, figuring supplies of toilet paper and sanitizer would eventually return. She went to her local grocery store Thursday morning, where shelves remained empty.

But, “lo and behold, there were not one but two packs of toilet paper on the floor in a random aisle,” she said. “They were probably abandoned by people who were told it’s only one pack per person.

“I grabbed one since it’s a rare find these days, and didn’t know the price. Turns out it was $13.99. Wow! I normally pay $3.99, on sale.”

Angy Thompson lives in a small town where “the community mentality is alive and well,” she said, noting that a neighbour was going door to door, offering to help people who can’t get out.

While talking to the neighbour, she “expressed my frustration at the sheer greed that has gutted the shelves of toilet paper. She offered to share what she had.

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“I expected a couple rolls,” but the neighbour left a large pack of tissue on her porch, she said. “I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. No money changed hands, just the promise that I owed her one. I was thrilled with her kindness.”

Olivera White said she has “turned to war mode” on the toilet paper front, and came up with a novel idea to fluff up her supply: “I had this side table, 52 x 20 inches, that I wanted to sell. I posted pictures of this elegant table on FB marketplace.

“The price was either $40 or 20 rolls of two-ply,” she said, adding that she wasn’t long trading the table for tissue. “I took a photo (of myself) holding the package of TP as if holding a winning lottery cheque. I felt an immense sense of relief.”

What’s broken in your neighbourhood? Wherever you are in Greater Toronto, we want to know. Email jlakey@thestar.ca or follow @TOStarFixer on Twitter